John Edward Ford

FORD- Mr. John Edward Ford, age 83, of Aiken, S.C., loving husband for 59 wonderful years to Margie Herron Ford and son of the late John Ford and the late Lessie Lowe Ford Widener Key, entered into eternal rest at Aiken Regional Medical Center on Monday, September 4, 2017. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Sandra (Michael) Shealey and Tammy (Eddie) Willing; sisters, Lucy (Charles) Murrell, Jeanette (Lester) Suhr; a brother, Goldie (Magdelene) Widener; grandchildren, Corey (Malone) Fanning, Jonathan Fanning (his fiancée, Claire Turner) and Bryson Shealey; In-laws, Louise Gunter, Adie Widener, Joan Herron, L. V. (Coleman) Hatfield; numerous nieces and nephews that he loved like his own. He was preceded in death by sisters, Jeneva Ford and Edna Ford and brothers, Tommy Widener and James Key. He was born in and was lifelong resident of Aiken County, S.C. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Aiken, S.C. He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor with Southern Felt Company. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. His friends called him “Smiley”, “Ed”, “J.E.”, “John” and he was affectionately known as “Pops” by his grandchildren. He treated his grandchildren as his own children and taught them the value of God, family and country through his actions. He also taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and honesty. He was loved by everyone and no one ever said anything bad about him. A man of his caliber shall be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched during the 83 years that God granted him on this earth. Death cannot destroy precious memories, and he shall live on forever in the hearts of his loved ones. Earth’s loss is truly Heaven’s gain. A service, celebrating his life and homegoing, will be conducted at Bethel Baptist Church in Aiken on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Henry Cooper and Rev. Brancie Stephens officiating. Joey Berry will be delivering the Eulogy. The interment will follow the service at Aiken Memorial Park. The Pallbearers will be Eddie Herron, Gene Herron, Jeff Herron, Lee Benson, Wayne Smith and Robert Lockamy. Neal Riddle will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer. The family will receive friends at the church this Wednesday evening, Sept. 6th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main St., Graniteville, S.C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. You may sign our guest register by logging on to www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com.