Ray Ford

Ray Ford, 63, departed this life on Sunday, April 22, 2007. He was born on April 6, 1944, in Enterprise, MS, the son of the late John and Maggie (nee: Edmondson) Ford. Ray was the youngest of 11 children. Ray received his formal education in the Enterprise School District, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. He later continued his education at Okolona College, in Okolona, MS. Ray accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the age of 9 at the First Baptist Church in Enterprise, MS. After moving to Racine, WI in the early ‘60’s, he became a member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Mack C. Davis. In the early ‘90’s Ray relocated to Milwaukee, WI and became a member of St. Mary’s Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Lawrence Presley, who was one of his trucking buddies. At St. Mary’s he was an usher and was active in their Bible Study. After returning to Racine, he became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby is the Pastor. He was a faithful member until he became ill. He was united in marriage to the former Frances Moore. To this union, two children, Sena and Edward (Teddy) were born. He was later married to the former Barbara Patterson, who was his faithful and steadfast companion. After moving to Racine, Ray was employed at Walker Manufacturing in the early ‘60’s. He later spent a number of years as a Head Start teacher, before settling in as a semi-truck driver for the majority of his working life. He was also a truck driver instructor. Ray enjoyed family get-togethers and parties. He also liked to shoot pool, watch baseball games, play cards and go to see horse racing. Arlington and Sportsman Parks were his favorites. Ray loved to travel at the drop of a dime and was often on the highways heading home to Enterprise. Ray was a CBer and his handle was “White Horse”- probably named for his white Ford Landau! He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Barbara; 3 sons, Stevie Gray, Edward “Teddy” Ford, and Colvin Dontaye Clark; a daughter, Sena (Michael) Williams; step-children, Timothy (Trina) Patterson and Kim Patterson; 6 grandchildren, Courtney, Michael III, Marquese, Donovan, Trenton and Vanessa; 2 great-grandchildren, Anaya and M’Kayla, brother Samuel Ford; sister Catherine Earl. A special nephew Johnnie Lee McLean and a special niece Cathy Ann Morrow also survive him, In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, John Jr., Jesse, Eddie, and Willie; and by his sisters Jean, Joyce, Mary and Dena Mae. His Homegoing Service will be held on Wednesday, April 25th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 11th and Center, with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A Graveside Service will be in the Musgrove Cemetery, Enterprise, MS, on Friday April 27th at 11:00 a.m..