ROCKINGHAM — Mr. James Vernon Ford Sr., 84, of Rockingham, passed away Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 22, 1937, son of Clyde and Viola Morris Ford.
Mr. Ford served with the National Guard and was a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Rockingham. In his younger years, he attended Mount Calvary/Rock of Ages Church.
He was an avid bass guitarist most all of his life, forming the bluegrass band Backlash with fellow musicians. Bluegrass music was a passion for him. With help from his fellow friends, he was able to complete a dream he had of a bluegrass barn. He and his father started working as hog farmers and transitioned into a family owned business of a feed mill, Ford’s Milling. Mr. Ford was involved with many jobs throughout his life, including the cotton mill, power company, and the N.C. Department of Transportation. The outdoors was his sanctuary — he loved gardening, fishing and just being outside.
Mr. Ford was also a family man, raising three children, along with his wife of 63 years, and loved his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; and two sisters, Linda Gerald and Carol Goodwin.
Mr. Ford is survived by his wife, Phyllis Gainey Ford, of the home; sons, Vernon Ford and Alden Ford, both of Rockingham; daughter, Michelle Ford Gardner, of Supply; grandchildren, April Ford, Charles Ford (Stephanie), Chris Ford (Whitney), Alden Ford (Emily), Justin Gardner and Hannah Gardner; great-grandchildren, Owen, Harper, Kaylee, Landon, Londen, Ryley, Cathryn, C.J. and Maddy; sister, Judy Powell of Rockingham; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church, Airport Road, Rockingham, with the Rev. David Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary/Rock of Ages Church Cemetery, County Home Road, Rockingham.
Social distancing and masks are recommended.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the home, 134 City Lake Drive, Rockingham.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ford family.
Online condolences may be made at www.harringtonfuneralhome.com.
