Edward Arthur Ford

Edward Arthur Ford, known to many as Ed and some as Eddie, passed away on June 27, 2024 in Greeneville, TN, at the age of 70. He was born on June 6, 1954 in Brooklyn, NY, the eldest child of Joan and Arthur Ford. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend.

Ed served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1976, where he proudly crossed the equator. While not a fan of following orders, he did enjoy (enjoy enjoy) the international travel. Following his military service, Ed established himself as a master plumber. He owned successful plumbing businesses in Naples, FL and South Bend, IN. In 2013, he became a plumbing inspector for the City of Naples; in this role he was both a wonderful mentor, quick to share his knowledge and experience, and a ridiculous coworker with unlimited antics. After his retirement in December 2023, he and Donna moved to Greeneville, TN to live on a small farm with their oldest daughter.

Ed was a loving husband to Donna for almost 43 years; the family they created was the very most important thing to him. He often laughed about having three sisters and three daughters and how it shaped him. He was like family to everyone he met.

As a lifelong music lover with an expansive collection, Ed sat on the lanai every night with Donna and Sailor Jerry, the soundtrack of his life always playing. He did not miss a Rays game, often staying near Trop Field for several days to attend multiple games and cheer on his team. An avid puzzle enthusiast, his Wordle and Crossword skills were epic. He found joy in solving them, sharing his stellar scores and times via text to his family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Donna Ford; his daughters, Linda Bath (Christopher), Valerie Weidenmiller (Casey), and Susan Franca (Eurivon); his grandchildren, Jhonen, Quentin, Abby, Eddie, Kate, Emily, and Sammy; his father, Arthur Ford; and his sisters, Kathleen Ford (David Lefkowitz), Ellen Ford (Chick Marston), and Christine Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Ford, and his brother-in-law, Ken Smith.

A memorial service will be held in Naples this fall to honor Ed's memory and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Edward can be made to a cause important to his family, the ALS Association, at https://www.als.org/

Ed's legacy of laughter, love, loyalty, and dedication will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.