Roger Ford Obituary
Reverend Dr. Roger Julian Ford, of Halifax, Virginia, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 75.
Reverend Dr. Ford was born in Esmont, October 2, 1934, to the late Mr. Fleming Vaughan Ford and Mrs. Frances Catherine Copeland Ford. He was married to Mrs. Velma Gray Ford and was pastor of New Vernon Baptist Church in Vernon Hill, Virginia, for 20 years. He, along with his wife, owned and operated Velro Church Supply Store in Halifax, Virginia.
Reverend Dr. Ford served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1958. He then attended Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, and later graduated from Virginia University of Lynchburg (Virginia Seminary and College). He also received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Theology from Virginia University of Lynchburg.
Reverend Dr. Ford served in the ministry and pastored at many churches including: New Hope Baptist Church, Esmont, Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Esmont, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Greenwood, Virginia; Wake Forest Baptist Church in Slate Hill, Virginia; Sinai Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Virginia; New Vernon Baptist Church, Vernon Hill, Virginia. In January, 2010, he retired from 47 years of serving God's people. Reverend Ford was a community activist and liturgical leader of many organizations. His service and involvement included: Moderator of Piedmont Sunday School Association, Moderator of Rockfish Baptist Association, President of Amherst NAACP, President of Virginia State Conference NAACP, President of Halifax County/South Boston NAACP, Trustee of the Baptist Children's Home in Petersburg, Virginia, Southside Planning District Commission member, member of Sons of Esmont-Lodge #7444 and Trustee of Virginia University of Lynchburg.
Reverend Dr. Ford leaves to cherish precious memories and continue his legacy, his loving wife, Mrs. Velma Gray Ford; five daughters, Lori Ford-Taylor, Nadine Ford and Francine Ford-Hill, all of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robin Ford of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Wendy Ford-Brown of South Boston, Virginia; son, Roger Ford Jr. of Madison Heights, Virginia; five grandchildren, Brenton Ford, LaKeisha Ford, Danielle Ford, Julian Taylor and Ryan Ford; three son-in-laws, Alaric Taylor and Henry Hill, both of Raleigh, North Carolina and Luke Brown of South Boston, Virginia; a daughter-in-law, Renee Ford of Madison Heights, Virginia; one sister, Juanita Anderson of Charlottesville, Virginia; one sister-in-law, Marva Simpson; two brothers-in-law, Willie Gray and Donald Gray; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Reverend Dr. Ford was preceded in death by his brother, Vaughan Nathaniel Ford.
A Celebration of Life service for Reverend Dr. Roger Julian Ford will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2010, with services at Halifax County High School. There will be an additional service 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at First Baptist Church, 735 Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Burial will follow at New Hope Baptist Church cemetery in Esmont, Virginia.
Condolences may be emailed to [email protected].
Funeral arrangements are by Jeffress Funeral Home, North Main Street, South Boston.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Phyllis Brown-Ramsey
June 9, 2011
Mrs.Ford (Velma) and Children -- As I read thru the many kind words of comfort -- its hard to believe that he's been gone almost a year. He stays in my thoughts -- as his program is on my bedroom wall along with my parents and so many others who are no longer here with us. I pray that all of you have remained strong this last year and the Lord will continue to strengthen and bless you all. Memories are another blessing from Heaven and I know you have many of those.
Michael Dance,Sr
March 8, 2011
Pastor Ford was truly a man of God and a teacher of the Word.He is missed greatly.
Ernestine Baker-Feggans
June 18, 2010
May God continue to bless each of you in your time of sorrow.
Ministry Jasper E Fletcher
June 17, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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Relante (Taye) Jones
June 17, 2010
May God continue to bless you during your loss. He will truly be missed. Bless you!
Elvetia bridgeforth
June 17, 2010
To The Ford Family
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Rev. Ford. He was a great supporter to the Virginia State Conference NAACP Youth & College Division during my term as State Youth Advisor.
He will be missed by his NAACP Family. Rev. Ford knew the shepard and has greater works to do.
Sincerely
Ms. Drusilla Bridgeforth
Former NAACP State Youth Advisor
Carolyn Hokins Tyler
June 17, 2010
To the Ford Family: My prayers go out to you.The lord is your keeper and provider so trust in him.I myself know what you're going through.My mother past a year ago.On behalf of my late mother Anna Belle Hopkins (Shooly) God bless each and every one of you.
Nicole Carr
June 17, 2010
Heaven is rejoicing and claiming one of its own. A true warrior for the Lord. RIP Rev Ford. What a blessing you were to all of us on earth, love you and miss you much. Thanking you for all the wisdom you left behind.
Eva Jones
June 16, 2010
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Rochelle Jones-Anyumba
June 16, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
ocino rush
June 16, 2010
rev ford will truely be missed; may god bless you all.
Roxie & Alonzo & family Starks Johnson
June 16, 2010
Aunt Velma & family
We are so sorry for your loss, yet our loss as well b/c he was a wonderful man and a true blessing to many. May you find strength in each other and keep your memories close to your hearts. Think of him often and smile. And it is ok to shed tears b/c he was yours to cry over and with. I pray with each passing day you all will grow stronger & feel better that he is ok.
Diane Key
June 16, 2010
I was new to the community and to New Hope , but Rev Ford always had a kind word for my husband and my family . He will be greatly missed . To the family I say hold to God's unchanging hand.. He is right where you need him to be. Our thoughts and Prayer are with you.
jack gravely
June 16, 2010
Darn good country preacher, excellent leader and administrator, but a better and outstanding man.
June 16, 2010
THE REV. ROGER FORD WAS A POWER UNDENIED AMONG PREACHERS. HE WAS VERY WELL KNOW AND KOVED BY ALL WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM. I WAS NOT PERSONALLY KNOW BY HIM, BUT I KNOW GOOD, GOOD PREACHING WHEN I HEAR IT. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. IN THE NAME OF JESUS, AND JESUS ALONE THROUGH MUCH PRAYER AND SOME TIME WHICH HEALS ALL WOUNDS SOME RELEIF WILL COME IN THE DAYS AHEAD. JUST REMEMBER HE WHO HAS BROUGHT US THIS FAR BY HIS GRACE. LAURETTA SPENCER, LYNCHBURG,VA
Gloria Higginbotham
June 16, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lawrence & Alice West
June 16, 2010
To the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one with the Sympathy and understanding that words can't express may God continue to bless you Rev. Ford will truely be missed.
Pastor M. A. Turner, Sr.
June 16, 2010
To the Ford Family:
May you be comforted with precious memories of a dedicated servant of God. He has fought a good fight and has finished his course. He kept the faith. A crown awaits him and all those who love the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be comforted by the Word of God.
Catherine A. Gray & Family
June 16, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jacquie Banks Robinson
June 16, 2010
To my family,
"Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear." Let your memories comfort you until the time when we meet in glory!! I'm sorry I could be there today with you. Love you guys.
Catoria Mays-Paige
June 15, 2010
I will truly miss Rev. Ford, he always had the same joke for me when i seen him nomatter how old i got. where is the beef and i would say between your teeth. My prayers are with you always.
BUTCH,JEAN,ZELDA,BUTCH JR.,PAULA WHINDLETON
June 15, 2010
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU
DEACONES ZELDA WHINDLETON-RANDOLPH
June 15, 2010
We at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH COVESVILLE WILL MISS DR.FORD HE WAS TRULY A GREAT MAN OF GOD.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU MAY ALL YOUR MEMORIES BRING YOU JOY AND COMFORT.
Jrene Jackson-Greene
June 15, 2010
Aunt Velma and children , Words cannot express my sincere deepest sympathy, it seems like it was yesterday when we all came together. I say to you think of your time together and the joy he brought to you and the hearts he touch of many perhaps those thoughts will ease your pain and help see you though. Sorry i can't be with you all but your greatly loved and your in my prayers.
Rev. Kort Greene
June 15, 2010
You have my deepest sympathy and may the Lord give you "peace" during your time of bereavement.
Rev. Kort Greene
Pastor, Oak Ridge B.C.
Schuyler, Va.
Linda Eddy
June 15, 2010
To the Ford family,
Rev. Ford meant a lot to us and to many others. He will be missed! You are loved and are in our prayers. We pray your strength in God during this time.
David, Linda Eddy and family
Gwen Dade
June 15, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sadness. May the joy he brought to all he met him bring you comfort.
Dade / Barnes Family
June 15, 2010
To Roger's wife and daughters, The entire Smith family in Rhode Island are with you in spirit and share your sorrow. We are sure Roger would say do not cry for me because I have completed my journey and I look forward to hearing our Father say "welcome home good and faithful servant". We will keep you all in our prayers and know that Roger was loved, respected, and will be so missed by all of us. Love the family of Maybelle Smith, Providence, Rhode Island
Donald & Rev Mary Byers
June 15, 2010
My dearest Velma and Family,
God has called another great man home. Please know that our prayers are with you during this time. Just continue to look to the hills which cometh your health knowing your health cometh from the lord. God will continue to bless you and your family.
June 15, 2010
I send you my love and prayers during this time of sorrow. I wish I could be there with you because Roger has always meant so much to me since I was a little girl. He is somewhere around the alter giving praise. May God be with you all. Love you all Mary Smith
Nancy & Lloyd Howard, Sr.
June 15, 2010
To the family, at this time when words can't tell all that our hearts would say...just know we're Thinking of you at This time and Wishing you comfort and Peace.
Love
maria loving-patterson
June 15, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
June 15, 2010
Mrs. Ford, my condolences to you and your family. May the Lord bless and keep you and give you peace in your time of sorrow.
Angelia (Randolph) Johnson
Rita Lee
June 15, 2010
Mrs Velma Ford & Children
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Mr Ford is someone whom I have always admired, because my mom Lucille Lee had such respect for him. Love Rita Lee & Family
Eileen Sims
June 15, 2010
To the family, Rev. Ford will be truely missed. He was truely someone special.You all are in my prayers and May The Lord continue to Bless You and Keep You.
Eileen Sims & Family
Marie Thompson-Moore
June 14, 2010
Mrs.Ford and Family, I'm so so very sorry to hear about Rev.Ford passing, he was truly a great man in our lives when we was childern at Wake Forrest Baptist Church. He will be deeply missed, God Bless you and the family. MY Deepest Sympathy.
Langston Logan
June 14, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Harriett Thompson
June 14, 2010
"Mrs. Ford and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Rev. Ford, passing. You are in my thought and prayers. I will miss Rev. Ford he was a great man to all of us at Wake Forrest Baptist Church and the childern that remember's him. (My Deepest Sympathy) . Mrs.Harriett Thompson and Family.
Linda Grooms
June 14, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rev. William @Mary Anderson
June 14, 2010
Our Thoughts and prayers are with the family, In the silence of the days you still find meomories , May those meomories offer comfort and bring you peace. With Deepest Sympathy
RACHEAL POINDEXTER
June 14, 2010
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Wanda Bruce
June 14, 2010
Mrs. Ford and family you are in my prayers and close to my heart. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Rev. Ford. My god bless you and strengthen you . I will always remember his favorite saying to me Miss hollowing wanda his alarm clock. God bless you.
Wanda Bruce
Esmont VA
Wanda Bruce
June 14, 2010
Mrs. Ford and family you are in my prayers and close to my heart. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Rev. Ford. My god bless you and strengthen you . I will always remember his favorite saying to me Miss hollowing wanda his alarm clock. God bless you.
Petey&Brenda Thomas
June 14, 2010
To Mrs.Ford & Fam
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Rev. Ford. All of you have our most heartfelt & deepest sympathy in this hour of sorrow. May the Lord bless and keep you throughout.
Arlene Rush and Shirley Johnson
June 14, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Darryl Harris Holt
June 14, 2010
May you find strength in knowing many prayers are being lifted for you, and some comfort in knowing the positive impact Rev. Ford had on others through his powerful preaching and his dedicated involvement in civic/civil rights organizations.
Vivian Hudson
June 14, 2010
To Mrs. Velma Ford & Fam,
Sorry to hear of Rev. Ford's death. My sincere sympathy to you and family; and I pray that God's consolation will strengthen you to endure.
Love,
Vivian Hudson
Tina Johnson-Petty
June 14, 2010
Robin and Wendy
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My condolences to you and your family.
Pastor Kelvin and Penny Hawkins
June 14, 2010
We are praying for you. May God strengthen you during these hours.
Cynthia Gaines
June 14, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about Rev. Ford. Our prayers are with you. James R, Maxine and Cynthia Gaines
June 14, 2010
Ours prayers and thoughts are with you and your family we will really miss Dr. Ford at the conventions. Joseph &Ruth Giles . Mechanicsville
June 14, 2010
To Velma and Children,
Julian was a dear friend of mine. I know the hurt you must feel. You two were such a lovely couple. I always looked forward to seeing you at the Class Reunions. Thank God for your beautiful memories and your God sent children. I know they will be there for you. God bless you all. I will certainly miss my friend.
Ruth Henderson
Esmont High School
1947 - 1951
Sylvia Hawkins Scott
June 14, 2010
To The Ford Family. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pastor Ford. He was a marvelous man and preacher and loved by all. He always had a smile when you would talk to him. He will be truly missed.May God strengthen you.
Ralph Agee
June 14, 2010
This world will not be the same without Rev. Ford, but we know that heaven has benefited greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ralph and Myrtle Agee
Phyllis Brown-Ramsey
June 14, 2010
Mrs.Ford (Velma) and Children. Words don't express my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. You and Rev. Ford were always special to me even before I played for him at his Church in Greenwood. I am praying for all of you as you prepare and have your homegoing services for him. I hope to make it but if I don't just know I'll be there in spirit. Memories are a blessing from God and they along with The Love of God will see you thru this part of life without him.
Darlene Banks-Handy
June 14, 2010
From your distant cousin Darlene Banks Handy and family we thank GOD for the service of our relative and pray for strength in faith and love for his family at this sad time.
Barbara G. King
June 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Theresa Russell
June 14, 2010
Words cannot express the sympathy that I and many others are experiencing. We have truly lost a Soldier whose Legacy will never die. May GOD continue to Bless your family.
The Spiritual Workers
June 14, 2010
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Katrina Hunter
June 14, 2010
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers" Katrina Hunter, Carlton Gary and Family.
Karen Coles
June 14, 2010
I pray the Lord will draw you all close to Him. May Peace, Hope, Comfort and the Assurance that He is always near, Comfort you during your time of need.
Carthalia & Janay Lovelace
June 14, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Thelma Washington
June 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We all will leave this world at some time or the other, but the beautiful memories will remain forever. Be strong!!!
D.E. Frank and 1st Lady Rachel Reeves
June 14, 2010
May The Lord comfort Your hearts in the time of this great loss. May He keep you in perfect peace.
George&Ruby Wells
June 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
clara and alexander eubanks
June 14, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Veronica "Lynn" Foster-Dews
June 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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