Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Lewis Ford Obituary
November 18, 1933 - October 14, 2018
Morrisville
Lewis S. Ford, 84, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Old Dominion University, died peacefully on October 14, in his Morrisville, NC, residence, surrounded by family.
Born in Leonia, NJ, Lewis received a scholarship to Yale University, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. After a Danforth Fellowship in Germany, Lewis spent a year of study at Emory University, where he met his wife, Anne Lide. He then continued doctoral studies in Philosophy at Yale. After completing his Ph.D. in 1963, he joined the faculty at Raymond College, University of the Pacific (1963-70); later, Penn State University (1970-3); and finally, Old Dominion University (1974-95).
Lewis found his passion in the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead, and he made substantial contributions to the field, authoring three books and numerous articles, as well as co-founding the academic journal, Process Studies.
He is survived by his wife, Anne; two daughters, Stephanie Ford (Chapel Hill), and Rachel Ford and husband, Eric Harbour (Apex); grandsons, Andrew Harbour and Matthew Harbour; and granddaughter, Deepmala Ford-Williams. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Ford and wife, Jina; and sister, Ruth LaFrance; sister-in-law, Priscilla Ford; and sister- and brother-in-law, Mary and Tom Morris—as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 28. Memorial donations may be made to WPCE (theclassicalstation.org) or Presbyterian Campus Ministry (pcmraleigh.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Ford
Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.
caroline m. sojourner
October 12, 2024
Fond memories of Kewis and Anne at Emory and in California!
John Byrd
November 18, 2018
In the late seventies, Professor Ford and Professor Hiroyuki Hamada were the greatest influences opening my young young mind at ODU and in understanding throughout my life. I bid him well.
Caroline Sojourner
October 25, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to Anne, Stephanie, and
Rachel. I remember Lewis as the only student at Emory who dressed in a suit. He stood out from the crowd in more ways than one!
Diana Koenning
October 25, 2018
I only have met Mr. Ford through my friendship with his daughter Stephanie, and he and Anne were most gracious in those encounters.
One of his lifetime accomplishments is helping to parent his daughters.
This reflects very well upon Mr. Ford, as
I know my friend to be a most intelligent, educated, kind & loving human being.
His legacy is well represented.
With my condolences to all his family,
Diana Koenning
Dr. David Wheeler
October 23, 2018
I was never a student of Lewis's but he was very encouraging to me when I was a young scholar, including accepting and publishing my early articles in Process Studies. Now that I am a senior scholar, I have tried to be as kind to junior scholars as Lewis was to me. I remember him as a true Christian gentleman. My prayers are with you all.
Dr. David Wheeler
Palmer Theological Seminary
October 23, 2018
May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76
October 23, 2018
Dr. Ford was a lovely man and a wonderful professor. He had the unique ability to make the complex simple. He was a true inspiration to one who wished to be a philosophy professor.
Dr. Anne-Taylor Cahill
Philosophy Dept.
Old Dominion University
October 23, 2018
As an ODU student Dr. Ford was one of my favorite professors. He had the unique ability to make the complex simple. Now I am a professor here at ODU and hope to live up to his legacy.
Dr. Anne-Taylor Cahill
Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Old Dominion University
Lawrence Hatab
October 22, 2018
I am sorry to hear of Lewis's passing. He was one of my heroes because I never knew anyone who loved philosophy more than he did. It was a genuine passion. My thoughts go to Anne and the family.
Larry Hatab
Rod Evans
October 22, 2018
I had the privilege of being a student in a Whitehead seminar taught by Dr. Ford at Old Dominion University. He was an impressive scholar and a devoted teacher who had a deep understanding of metaphysics.I am pleased that studied under him and am happy that he had a long life.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Lewis Ford's name
Memorial Events
for Lewis Ford
How to support Lewis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lewis Ford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
