PEORIA - Tom N. "Tommy" Ford, 58, of Peoria Ill., passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.
Tom is survived by his wife, Christine of Peoria; two daughters, Allison (Jacob) Turner of Peoria and Ashley Elise (Benjamin) Lebron of Savoy, Ill.; one granddaughter, Autumn Grace Turner of Peoria; his parents, Frank "Henry" and Twila Ford of Peoria; and one sister, Frances (Michael) Shockley of Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel Lee and Leah Dolora Ford of Baldwin, Kan., Everett Headley of Oildale, Calif., and Dora and Perry Mayfield of Castle Rock, Wash.; an uncle, John M. Headley of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and a mother-in-law, Mildred Hoggard of Peoria.
Born Jan. 23, 1956, in Ottawa, Kan., to Frank and Twila Ford, Tom married Christine Hoggard on July 26, 1980, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria.
Tom attended Monroe Grade School, where he played on the 1970 championship basketball team. He went on to graduate from Limestone High School in 1974 and the University of Illinois in 1978 with a degree in finance.
Following graduation, Tom worked in several sales positions, including a job selling computers and banking machines for Burroughs Inc. in Peoria. In 1982, Tom found his calling at E.F. Hutton, where he began training to be an investment advisor. He continued his career through many buyouts and name changes until, at Smith Barney, in 2008, he took on a partner to create the Ford Jones Group.
During his time with Smith Barney, Tom held the titles of sales manager and, later, assistant branch manager. After 30 years of business, Tom moved the Ford Jones Group to Raymond James, where he accepted the role of branch manager in their Peoria office. In January of 2013, he added his son-in-law, Jacob Turner, into their training program. Tom loved working as an investment advisor for 32 years and formed many lasting friendships with both colleagues and clients.
Tom was a long-time member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed participating in Monday and Thursday night basketball.
An avid athlete, Tom loved staying active by water skiing, snow skiing, playing tennis, golf, and shooting pool. However, nothing surpassed his life-long love for basketball.
Over the years, Tom participated in many boards and charities. He completed the St. Jude Run from Memphis to Peoria numerous times, always managing to be assigned to a camper without functioning air-conditioning.
He supported his children in all their endeavors and took great pride in their accomplishments. He was a loving son and brother, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He cherished his newest role of Grandpa and embraced his nickname of "Baby Hog" with pride.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service is being planned for Sept. 12, 2014, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 N. State Route 91, Peoria, Ill. Visitation with the family will begin at 3 p.m. in the atrium, with services beginning at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please come and celebrate Tom's life with his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Illinois CancerCare, Richard L. Owens Hospice House or Grace Presbyterian Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Chris and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. For the Lord shall comfort. Isaiah 51:3 KJV
Hugging you warmly,
Rick and Della Lavender
September 26, 2014
Our hearts have been hurting with u...so thankfuk tom is with Jesus!! Chris you have been a beautiful helpmate and partner! Praying for u and the girls!!!
Dale Mary Ann Knapp
September 11, 2014
Ford Family: We are deeply saddened at the loss of Tom. He was always a fair and a good man. He will be missed by all. With our deepest sympathy and prayers, Gary and Nary Steiner (Smith Barney)
September 11, 2014
To Chris, Allison and Ashley, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Tom was a great boss and a good friend.
Maggie Curry
September 3, 2014
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news last Monday. I knew Tom was ill, but was hoping for a different outcome. My thoughts are with you and the family in your darkest of hours.
Richard Pierson
September 1, 2014
Lynne Jost
September 1, 2014
Chris, Ashley and Alison,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Joe and Cathy Korondi
August 30, 2014
Henry, Twila and family --
God's ways are not our ways and although we prayed diligently for Tom's healing, God chose the ultimate healing - that of eternal life with Him. Your sadness must be overwhelming... so now our prayers are focused on you. May His arms wrap you completely and hold you firmly through this very difficult time.
Chuck & Shirley Martin
August 30, 2014
Chris,
Michelle just called. I'm so sorry you and family are going through this. Tom was a good man. You are in my prayers.
Patti Trapp
August 29, 2014
Tom was such a great guy! Even though we didn't know him well, he was very easy to love! We are incredibly saddened by your loss. Tom and I are out of town during the time of the service so will miss giving you all our personal condolences. Know you are in our prayers. Much love to you all.
Tom and Kelly Buffum
August 29, 2014
Dear Chris, Allison, and Ashley,
So sorry for your great loss. You have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
Jim and Annette Peugh
August 29, 2014
A VERY BRIGHT LIGHT IN PEORIA HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED. In celebration of the resurrection
my heartfelt prayers will abide with this truly remarkable Christian and loving family..
ARLENE LARSON
August 29, 2014
I was very sad to read of Tom's passing in the paper this morning. We went through all of grade school & high school together, he was always a good & decent guy, never anything but nice to me. His mother was always friendly at school functions also, the Fords are one of my good memories of school days.I enjoyed visiting with him at the class reunions we attended. He was actually one of the people I was looking forward to visiting with at our upcoming 40th reunion, now his service is that same weekend. My sincere sympathy to his family. Jill (Glisan) Bloomer
Jill Bloomer
August 29, 2014
SUCH GREAT LOSS OF FRIEND THAT HAS HAD SUCH A STRUGGLE LAST PART OF HIS LIFE.
I KNOW GOD IS SHELTERING HIM NOW IN HIS SHADE.
JERRY LADD
August 29, 2014
Chris, Allison and Ashley,
My condolences to all of you. You won't remember me, but Tom was an inspiration to both my husband and myself. I joined EF Hutton in 1987 and he was kind enough to help me get acclimated in our own finances as well as teach me about the business. I wouldn't be where I am today without his valuable insight. He was a dear friend and mentor; I will miss him immensely.
My prayers are with you all at this time that God will comfort each of you in your loss.
Kristi Archer
August 29, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Please accept our sympathies. Bobbie and Randy Ziffren
August 29, 2014
So sorry for your loss Chris. Sandy (Schertz) Christ.
August 29, 2014
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you with strength and comfort in His love.
Henry & Janet, Mark & Kathy Shockley
August 29, 2014
So sorry for your loss Allison, Ashley, and Chris. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Megan Sommer Stanton
August 29, 2014
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