Mitchell Wayne Ford

Mitchell Wayne Ford

February 15, 1952 –– April 16, 2025

Saying goodbye to this world and a life mostly well lived, Mitchell Wayne Ford was given his wings on April 16, 2025.

Mitchell was born on February 15, 1952. He was the youngest of three siblings and the only son. Mitchell was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Franklin Ford; his mother, Mary Lou Borland-Ford; his sister, Diana Smart; and his sister, Sharon Weatherford. Mitchell is survived by his beautiful daughter and only child, Jennifer Ford-Travis; and two grandchildren, Nathanial Travis––unarguably the most handsome man with the most brilliant mind in the Ford family (possible future president)––and Lily Travis, who holds the kindest soul with the sweetest heart and the love of his life Betty Avery-Ford to whom he was happily married to for over 37 years.

People might describe Mitchell as a hard-headed, stubborn, my-way-is-the-only-way kind of person, but he was always the first to show up with a pizza or bucket of chicken and conversation to make sure you were doing okay. Mitchell was happy to give you advice and tell you what to do, even when he didn’t necessarily follow that advice himself. “Geeezzz,” don’t you know he knew best? He was definitely a do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do kind of guy, with an old hippie soul. Mitchell spent his life working in the auto paint and body business, which he learned from his father. He owned a couple of body shops before retiring as an insurance adjuster.

Mitchell enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit their daughter and grandchildren, journeying from the East Coast to the West, spending weekends at Petit Jean, golfing, and fishing. He loved God and was a member of New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Jacksonville. He was a music lover, and The Beatles were definitely his favorite––you could expect them to be playing at his house when you visited. Just like most of us, there will not be buildings, statues, or monuments erected in his name––but for all who knew him, he will not be forgotten. He lived a full life the way he wanted to live––and he was loved.

The services will be officiated by Pastor Tim Montgomery at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern, AR on Monday, April 21st in the chapel. Visitation at 1pm with services to follow at 2pm. Burial at Lono Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Todd Weatherford, Brett Weatherford, Devin Weatherford, Robbie Williams, Skye Weatherford, Bear Weatherford and Brayden Clark. Online condolences can be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net