Joseph Francis Ford

Joseph Francis Ford, 76, of Buchanan, Va., passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Leslie and Isabelle Quinn Ford; and his wife, Peggie Shugart Ford. For many years Joe was a volunteer at Buchanan Elementary School. He served in and retired from the Army National Guard. He was a member of Fincastle United Methodist Church. Surviving are his son, Larry W. Ford and wife, Brenda, of Richmond; daughters, Gayle Ross and husband, Doug, of Buchanan, Susie Martin and husband, Richard, of Roanoke, and Julie Wilson and husband, Jeff, of Buchanan; grandchildren, Michael Martin and wife, Molly, Meredith Ford, Brian Martin, Josh Ross, Dusty Ross, Travis McCormack, Jeremy Martin, Zach Ford, Damon Ross, and Brett McCormack; greatgrandchildren, Chandler and Amber Ford; brothers, Buddy Ford and wife, Barbara Dean, of Roanoke, and Bobby Ford and wife, Peggy, of Blue Ridge; sister-in-law, Jeanette Shugart, of Salem; and an number of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Building Fund at Fincastle United Methodist Church or the Roanoke Rescue Mission. A memorial service will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Fincastle United Methodist Church by the Rev. Doug Paysour. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, 540-366-0707. The family would like to encourage everyone to support Barack Obama for President in Joe's honor.