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Austin Ford Obituary
Ford will be cremated and a time for a memorial service is yet to be determined.
A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Decatur is in charge of arrangements.
He was the founder and first director of Atlanta's Emmaus House, established in the late 1960s in a run-down, two-story house in the Peoplestown area of downtown Atlanta near Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and, later, Turner Field.
Friends recalled that he was a strange sight at first in the neighborhood. The white man in his late 30s rode his bicycle through the predominantly black community and knocked on doors to talk to residents about ways they could work together to improve the area.
The polished but affable Ford, who grew up DeKalb County, moved into what is now Emmaus House, an Episcopal Church mission, with the aid of at least two nuns and a seminary student.
"He didn't just drop in," said longtime Peoplestown resident Columbus Ward. "He moved in. He became a neighbor. He made it known that this Southern white man had no problem fighting the system."
Read the full story about Austin Ford on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Austin Ford
38 Entries
Pam Permenter
July 25, 2019
Fond memories of Father Ford attending St Bartholomew's as a child . He would have us over for lunch and I was awed by his library and as well as his big grey dog! He was beside my Mom in her time of need.He married my aunt Betty and he also married my sister Faith.
Richard Balagur
October 16, 2018
Forty Nine years ago I volunteered at Emmaus House and remember Father Ford's energy, ethusiasm and love.
KRISHA THOMAS
September 24, 2018
My deepest condolences. I remember attending preschool at the Emmaus House. The Emmaus House gave alot to under privileged kids. I always had something to look forward to every summer thanks. I remember learnng to play scrabble and being in the drama club. I could go on about my memories. Father Ford you will be missed and your great effort will be appreciated forever ♥
Tom Erdmanczyk
September 21, 2018
Father Ford, I will be always grateful that you welcomed me, a kid from Minnesota, to complete alternative service in the early 1970s by spending two years on the staff at Emmaus House. Here I learned many life lessons, including the joy of hard work, and the fact that I am no more important than the least of God's children probably less. Thank you also for introducing me to a Georgia that I came to love, and never left. May light perpetual shine upon you.
George Brandt
September 20, 2018
My Dear Father in God and Mentor, may you Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. May Angels and Archangels sustain you in to our Loving Lord Jesus about when you taught me much.
Canon George Brandt,Jr.
Janet T Turner
September 20, 2018
Janet
Janet T Turner
September 20, 2018
To the Episcopal Family Community, and The Family of Father Ford- you have my very deepest sympathy regarding the loss, to this earth, of a true Saint, Fr Ford.
I believe truly in my heart that Fr Ford loved EVERYONE, and EVERY LIVING THING. There was not a living being or thing, on this earth, human, animal, insect, or plant, that he did not ask a blessing for in his sacred and shared prayers.
HELIVED AS HE THOUGHT, HE THOUGHT AS HE PRAYED, AND HE PRAYED AS HE LOVED. JT
As a young Episcopalian, I met him as he preached and taught many times throughout the Atlanta Diocese, and at the Church of the Nativity ( ATL- Bolton Rd). This Episcopal church in a home worship setting was a very small mission parish, supported mostly by our Diocese, who's members happened to be mostly African- American. Fr Ford was the one man band, at Nativity, when he came, and he taught great Sunday School Leasons to us, as a vulnerable teen and youth group.
I learned the lesson of true Christian love from Fr Ford, I learned about Charity and true Christian giving without making choices for the receiver), and I also learned what true Faith in Jesus Christ our Savior and God meant, and how Jesus lived. I began to really read the Holy Bible because of Dr Austin Ford- and by the way, he wanted us all to call him, just, Austin.
May the Peace of the Lord be always with his family and Soul. And may he hear at Heavens gate, simply,
C'mon in Austin, a job well done, a job well done in My Name, on earth.
Janet Tillman Turner, St Paul's Episcopal Church, ATL
Theophus Smith
September 20, 2018
I still remember enjoying a delightful meal prepared and served by Fr. Ford at Emmaus house some 30 years ago. Light perpetual be yours, dear brother!
ROGER MILLS
September 16, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Board and Staff of FACAA gives thanks for your service, Father Ford
Joyce J Dorsey
September 9, 2018
Father Ford believed in helping people who had the misfortune of living in poverty. His dedication to helping people change their lives reached across many venues and geographic areas, especially in Atlanta. As a Founding Board Member of The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, he was outspoken about public policy and the need to reduce the barriers to employment of the ex-offender, homeless or people who were trying to overcome numerous problems that prohibit their Socio-Economic needs being met.
I personally learned many guiding principles that I currently observe and practice... one being be careful about judging a client... you never know what his/her challenges were that caused them to experience financial, social or life changing challenges. Most of the people Father Ford helped, actually made a change! From his examples, I learned the technique of inspiring people who are in need...and it works!
Community Action in Atlanta: Father Austin Ford was a co-founder of the Fulton Atlanta Community Authority which began its operation in October, 1991
Dr Joyce J Dorsey
September 9, 2018
Derrick D. Henderson
September 6, 2018
I had the privilege of growing up in the Emmaus House programs and seeing and interacting with Fr. Austin M. Ford up until the day he passed. I was very fortunate to serve him communion on the first Sunday of every month along with other members of our chapel. Fr. Ford was just a remarkable person. He was our father,mentor, friend,priest and to so of us he was our all and all. Fr. Ford was a great cook and entertainer, he was so funny. We at The Episcopal Chapel at Emmaus House just loved when he started attending church again after his retirement he was brought often until his heath started to decline so we started taking church to him, he love to see on his porch and sing songs. I can go on and on he was just a Awesome guy. I will miss him dearly.
Rest In Heaven
Barbara Harris
August 30, 2018
How fortunate am I to have shared the grace of Father Ford during my summer vacations in college, teaching at camp, and volunteering to staff the Poverty Law office at the residence. Maybe it was here that I learned to absolutely love the Law.
My first political experience was here as well, working on the campaign of Juanita Terry WILLIAMS, wife of Hosea WILLIAMS, for Ga. House of Representatives; sharing in the activism of Ethel Mae Mathews.
I can never forget those experiences and the shared conversations with Father Ford.
As God's servant, he truly left this world better than he found it.
Judge Barbara A Harris
Atlanta Municipal Court
Libby Beattie
August 29, 2018
You will forever be missed Father Austin. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for you letting me live in your carriage house for the past 5 years. I love you as I did my grandfather, and now I am sure you and my grandfathers are chatting it up now as I am writing this. You touched so many lives, as well as mine. You will always live in my heart, Love you dearly.
E C
August 26, 2018
Soon God will recover them from the power of the grave. Hosea 13:14
Rebecca Wynn Amerson
August 26, 2018
A truly gracious and faithful man. Father Ford baptized me at StBatholomew's Episcopal. We look bed hearing him read Christmas stories and playing in his beautiful garden by his home. He has and always will be a role model of love be and living in God's grace.
Maddy Lee
August 25, 2018
We have lost one of our greatest and most generous friends. How weshall miss his voice, and his wisdom
Valerie's wedding, Melk 06.23.2007
Monique Seefried
August 24, 2018
Austin, you will always be with us.
Melk (Austria) 23 June 2007
Monique Seefried
August 24, 2018
Janice L Cook
August 24, 2018
Reverend Austin Ford dedicated his life to the people of Atlanta, as well as other communities. God bless you. Sincerely, Dr, Janice L. Cook.
vonita williams
August 23, 2018
Rest In Heaven. I never had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Austin Ford, who walked the talk. Lord Have Mercy
Laura Moore
August 23, 2018
My first memories of Father Ford come from the period 1962-1964, when as a 4 and 5 year old, too young to attend "big" church, I attended Sunday School at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. He was a kind and gentle man beloved by the little ones. My family left Atlanta before I could enter "big" church at age 6, but I returned to Atlanta in 1976 for college and my adult life. By then, of course, he had moved on to Emmaus House. I have followed him in the news, and in his passing I return to those sweet childhood memories in comfort.
In the Episcopal Hymnal, there is an appropriate hymn -- "Come, Labor On" which I think of as a good instruction for a life well lived, like that of Father Ford. It concludes, "Servant, Job Well Done".
Arabella Mayo
August 21, 2018
Father Ford was an inspiration, a great man, with a ruthless sense of humour and enormous knowledge. I am lucky to have known him and to have briefly been a part of Emmaus House.
Matthew Beishline
August 21, 2018
We will always miss you, Father Ford.
Rest in peace!
George Wiley
August 20, 2018
What might be added to the AJC article is that Emmaus House was a place where white and black Atlantans could meet on an equal footing and form friendships. A large number of Atlanta white folks like me visited Emmaus House and the neighborhood, did volunteer work, attended Sunday services at the chapel. Some of us moved in and lived there. It was a transforming experience for me. Another thing to mention is the name Emmaus, which carries the idea that one might see and know Christ's presence in that community, that neighborhood. Finally, Emmaus House offered much for children of the neighborhood--learning, friendly adults, summer camp, trips to sights around Atlanta.
steven spellman
August 20, 2018
I had the great honor of spending two summers working and living at Emmaus House in the early seventies. Rev. Austin Ford was a remarkable soul and the ripple effects of his presence among all of us will be felt for many years if not generations.
Katherine Davies
August 20, 2018
Austin was an inspiration and I feel very privileged to have known him and worked for him at Emmaus House in 1990. He was also one of the funniest people I have ever known. I have lost a dear friend but I am relieved he has been spared any more suffering, and I thank God for knowing him. I would also like to pay tribute to Miss Clarke for her steadfast care and friendship, especially when he needed her most.
Patricia Swinfen
August 20, 2018
I first met Rev. Austin Ford in England in 1987.
He invited my husband and me to Atlanta to give a presentation about Canterbury Cathedral, in order to raise funds for Emmaus House in Atlanta. We accepted , and so began a long friendship. Our children made friends with him too, especially Katherine and Arabella. Both spending time working at Emmaus House in school holidays.
We will all remember him with great fondness.
He was a truly wonderful, person and priest.Lady Swinfen. MBE.
Barbara Phillips
August 20, 2018
Austin left his body, but he lives in everyone one of us who loved him and his legacy touches many more. Rest in power, Austin.
Sam Weyman
August 20, 2018
We will always miss you.
You will always be a part of our family.
Sam Maverick Weyman
Maury Moody
August 20, 2018
Loved this man and am privileged to call him friend. He lived his beliefs and refused to compromise the truth of the gospel!! Rest In Peace Austin.
Sam Weyman
August 20, 2018
We will miss you always.
You will always be a part of our family.
Sam Maverick Weyman
Hai Le
August 20, 2018
Lot of Respect for a man whose tried to better society through God 's love
Armand Chapeau
August 20, 2018
As a young man attending an Episcopal boarding school and an acolyte at Holy Trinity Church in Decatur I was privileged to carry the Cross at the Ordination of Reverend Ford. I knew him growing up in the Church and have followed his ministerial career. As my career took me away from Georgia for over 20 years upon my return I was happy to remake his acquaintance and visit with him. He was a devoted Christian and will be long remembered by this once young man.
Armand (Toby) Chapeau
Annabella Scott
August 20, 2018
My family are among Austin's many English friends and admirers. He stayed with us in Kent and Gloucestershire, took part in our Church services and talked gardening with me and my father. I will miss his kindness, his ability to get on with people from every background , his love of gardening, entertaining, cooking, his ability to listen, his wisdom, his Christian faith. He was a most remarkable person.
Neighbor (Isaiah 25:8)
August 20, 2018
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
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A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory2773 North Decatur Road P.O. Box 4000, Decatur, GA 30031
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