Edsel Bryant “Tommy” Ford, 84, of Hot Springs, Virginia passed away Tuesday, November 05, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 11, 1940, in Hot Springs, Virginia, the son of the late Lacy Campbell Ford and Clara Mae Dannel Ford.
A graduate of Valley High School Class of 1958, Tommy married his high school sweetheart Patricia Sue “Patsy” Haynes on January 16, 1959. They soon welcomed three children Jeff, Jill, and Jay, starting the family tradition of first names that begin with the letter “J”.
Tommy was a salesperson at heart and began a career in life insurance sales where he rose to state manager for National Savings Life. He took his entrepreneur spirit into business as he had a vision for a 7-day store in Bath County, so he purchased the old Morris building in Hot Springs and started Fords 7-Day General Store where he served the local community for many years. When the roof leaked, he decided why not turn a 3-story building into a one-story building which he did with a little help from his friends who were many. No job was too big for Tommy Ford. Later he and Patsy bought and ran Angler’s Paradise Lodge in Welaka, Florida as they both loved bass fishing and visiting so they bought the lodge and ran it many years until returning to Hot Springs to spend more time with their grandchildren.
Tommy was very active in Ashwood United Methodist Church his entire life serving in various capacities including board chairman at time of his death. His service to the community he loved included serving on both the Bath County School Board and the Bath County Board of Supervisors and was currently serving on the BARC Board of Directors, which he enjoyed very much. A big Boston Red Sox fan, he made two trips to the World Series to see his beloved team win the championship.
He is survived by a son, Jeff Ford and wife Christie of Hot Springs, daughter Jill Lockhart of Hot Springs, son, Jay Ford and wife Chris of Millboro; seven grandchildren, Jessica Allen & husband Adam of Mesa, Arizona, Jeremy Lockhart & wife Joy of Rocklin, California, Jailyn Ford of Hot Springs, Jonah Ford & wife Aly of Hot Springs, Jordan Ford & husband Michael of Dallas, Texas, Jensen Ratliff & husband Hunter of Powhatan, Virginia, Jenifer Ford of Waynesboro; three step grandchildren,
Jerry Rice, Derek & Lindsay Oliver; seven great-grandchildren, Dillon, Abby, Briley, & Emmy Elsesser, Ivy & Reed Lockhart, and Miles Ford; step-great grandchildren, Laney & Tyler Rice, Kaison & Adleigh Oliver; a sister, Margaret Jenkins & husband J.P. of Roanoke, Virginia; and special friends Mark & Betty Walker of Crescent City, Florida.
In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Patsy, as well as sisters Mildred Van Reenan, Betty Lesher, and Audrey Gutshall.
A service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Ashwood United Methodist Church with Pastor Frank Johnson officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ashwood United Methodist Church, c/o Frank Johnson, P.O. Box 98, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445.
My deepest condolences to the family. Prayers for all.
Uplifting prayers for the entire family. Tommy was a good Christian, great friend to everyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Tommy’s family and friends,may God wrap his loving and comforting arms around each of you
Sincerest condolences!
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to his family. Tommy was a long time neighbor to my parents and me, fellow church goer and good friend throughout my life. He was a caring, generous and Christian man. He will be sorely missed by many. My love to the family.
Prayers for Tommy’s family. He was always a happy laughing guy. He and Patsy are together again!
So sorry for his family, Tommy was an icon in this county, I am sure he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace now with your sweet wife
I remember Tommy and Patsy with great fondness from the ten years I served at Ashwood UMC. In fact, so many people in that little church will forever be in my heart. They were and are the salt of the earth. God, thanks for allowing me to know them, and comfort all those whose hearts are empty and aching right now with their absence. But we know they are with you. Amen. Bass Mitchell
Steve and I were very sorry to hear about Mr. Ford’s passing. He completed a job well done on this earth and continues that mission with Jesus. May your entire family be comforted by God’s amazing grace.
I am so sorry for your families loss! Tommy was so good to me my family! He will be so missed
Sorry for your loss