Frank William Ford

Frank William Ford was born on August 8, 1954, in Galveston, Texas. He passed peacefully into eternity on February 1, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas.
Frank was preceded in death by his four grandparents, by his father, Charles Edward Ford, and by his mother, Annie Laurie Smiley Ford. Also preceding him in death was his beloved brother, Charles Edward Ford Jr ("Charlie"), as well as several treasured cousins and friends. Frank is survived by sons Christian Ford, Jeremy Burton, and Philip Burton. His surviving siblings are Patricia Ford, Mary Ford James, Dan Ford, and sister-in-law Susan Smith Ford. His best friend, Wick Beane, was as close as a brother to Frank and figured into many of his stories. His many nieces and nephews loved him dearly and will carry memories of him for years to come – Ana Ouzts, Belinda Haddock, Dana Jo Self, Charles Ford III, Heather Park, Austin Ford, Dan James, Laura James, Sarah Dionne, Rachel James, Lee James, Nathan James, David James, Rebekah James, Meg Rash, and Emily Ford meant the world to Frank. He developed very close relationships with several of them, and loved hearing updates about those he didn't see often. As those nieces and nephews started families, he wanted to know about each and every new addition to his extended family.
Frank built a successful HVAC business which operated in both Houston and Austin, Texas. Having also spent a number of years in the restaurant business, he combined that love with his career in HVAC, focusing on refrigeration equipment in restaurants and retail businesses.
Summing Frank's life up in an obituary is a very challenging task, as he was so full of life and life experiences. Let it never be said of Frank that he lived a dull, uneventful life. Anyone who ever met Frank would agree that he was an unforgettable presence. An animated storyteller, he could weave a yarn that left everyone in stitches.
Frank was born in Texas and would always be, first and foremost, a Texan, but he spent most of his school years and early adulthood in Hattiesburg and Petal, Mississippi. So many of his stories revolve around those years, and he formed lifelong friendships that meant everything to him.
He also loved Colorado and spent a great deal of time in that picturesque state. He and his closest friends traveled there and even worked there in temporary jobs. His best friend, Wick, remembers watching fireworks in Aspen on a number of Fourth of July holidays because the fireworks were sent out from the top of mountains, offering a different perspective than usual.
A talented musician, Frank was especially gifted on the guitar, playing electric, acoustic, and 12-string classical guitar beautifully. His knowledge of music, especially from the 60s and 70s, was encyclopedic, and he counted among his friends and acquaintances a number of accomplished musicians. Music was a huge part of Frank's life. He cherished his extensive collection of guitars.
Frank was a true sports fan, especially where his beloved University of Texas Longhorns were concerned. He kept up with all the player stats, from the time they were in high school, through the recruiting stage, and throughout their football career.
His brain was like a computer that soaked up and stored knowledge. This extended from the fascinating to the mundane. On any given subject, Frank could offer interesting tidbits of information. It's no surprise that he loved trivia games and was hard to beat. At the same time, he was always a good sport. He just loved to test his own brain with questions about anything and everything.
Of all the things he cherished in life, his faith in God became the most important. He studied the bible extensively. Because Frank was such a lover of knowledge, this formed the foundation of his journey of faith. He spent much of his time listening to sermons and bible studies online. He loved discussing what he was learning and sharing his thoughts and interpretation. As his health began to decline, this became a primary activity. He even suggested that there might be a purpose in his health issues because they gave him a chance to share his faith and what God had done in his life with all of the healthcare providers he met. He did share his faith and often offered to pray with those who were tasked with caring for him. His passing into eternity was sweet and peaceful. He knew into Whose arms he was being delivered.
Family and friends meant the world to Frank, and Frank meant the world to his family and friends. His passing leaves a large hole in our world. We treasure the knowledge that we will see him again in a place where there is no illness and no death.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 Time: 2pm Location: Harvest Community Church, 20010 Kuykendahl Rd., Spring TX 77379