Sam Edward Ford

The late Sam Edward Ford was born on December 11, 1941 to the late Elliott Ford, Sr. and Willie Deola Helms-Ford in Lavaca, Alabama in Choctaw County.

Sam was a resident of Lisman, Alabama.  He was granted eternal peace and comfort on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Choctaw Health and Rehab facility.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott Ford, Sr. and Willie D. Helms-Ford; his brothers, Bobby James Ford, Elliott Ford, Jr., and Henry “June” Ford.

Sam confessed Christ at an early age at Little Zion A.M.E. Zion Church in Lavaca, Alabama.

Sam graduated from Choctaw County Training School, Lisman, Alabama.  He served in the United States Army, where he retired after serving his country for 21 years.  While serving in the Army, he received several awards, such as: Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60” Device, (3) Overseas Service Bars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, US Army Recruiter Badge, Vietnam Service Medal (2 Campaigns), Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14).  Sam was also a 64Z5H Transportation Senior Sergeant for 12 years and 10 months.

Sam moved back home after retiring from the military.  He owned and operated The Barbeque Pit in Butler, Alabama for a short stint.  He had a passion for cooking good food.  Sam was a loving person with a big heart, and he was a friend to everyone he knew.  He was always willing to help anyone in any way he could.  He was later employed at James River Corporation, Naheola, Alabama, where he retired as a supervisor.

Sam was married to Bessie L. Ford for 35 years.  They have one son, Christopher Sean Ford.

Sam leaves to cherish his memories:  his two sons, Christopher Sean (Jennifer) Ford, Birmingham, AL; Brad (Laneka) Ford, Butler, AL; his grandchildren, Tamon (Reesha) Ford, Ellenwood, GA; Jakayla Lesean Ford, Mobile, AL; Jada Kristiana Ford, Birmingham, AL; his great-grandchild, Sunni Rose Ford, Ellenwood, GA; his sister, Pauline Jordan, Lisman, AL; his brothers, Murray Alvin (Doris) Ford, Butler, AL; Jimmie Harris, OH; one sister-in-law, Emma Dial Ford, Lavaca, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.