David Evan Ford

David Evan Ford, 77, of St. Joe, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fayetteville.
He was born May 1, 1948, at Compton, a son of Evan Wilbur and Clay Louise Parker Ford. After graduating from high school, David was drafted into the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country for seven years during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he devoted 31 years to Tyson Foods in sanitation before retiring.
David was a man of strong faith and regularly attended Bethlehem Pentecostal Church, along with other nearby Full Gospel churches. He had a gift for working with his hands and could often be found tending his garden, mowing his yard, or in his tool shed piddling and fixing things. He enjoyed keeping busy and had a way of keeping everyone around him in line, always with love and good humor. He was also known for some of his favorite sayings, often declaring with a smile, "I swear if I live to be 300," or simply exclaiming, "Lord have mercy." These familiar words will long echo in the hearts of his family and friends. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends, and he will be remembered for his steady presence, his hardworking spirit, and the love he poured into those closest to him.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Debrah Ford of St. Joe; a son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Casey Ford of Huntsville; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Terri Thomas of Pea Ridge, Michelle and Herman Mills of Pindall, Kristi and Aaron Markum of St. Joe; 12 grandchildren, Cody Mills, Lakin Cheek, Devan Mills, Keshia Horn, Kyra Irwin, David Ford, Colton Ford, Krista Bryant, Kaitlyn Crawford, Taylor Thomas, Abigail Thomas, and Grayson Thomas; 18 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Teresa Ford of Vendor; a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Troy Royce of Mount Judea; along with a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Love Cemetery at St. Joe with Bro. Leo Dye officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Lee Ford, Herman Mills, Devan Mills, Aaron Markum, Terry Sisco, and Dale Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be David "Bub" Ford, Casey Ford, Colton Ford, and Billy Mays.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Heroes Haven Hospice, V.A. Hospital Fayetteville, 1100 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703-1944.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.