Willie Ford Obituary
Willie, the son of the late Johnnie Ford and Claudia Bell Rozier Ford, was born on Thursday, February 10, 1955, in Dublin, Georgia.
He was raised by his grandparents, Pearlie May Bailey and Lenard (Lennon) Bailey. He attended Millville High School and became a student at the West Laurens High School after the integration of the school system in 1970. He was an outstanding athlete at West Laurens High School and graduated in 1973. After High School, he married Delores Watkins, and they had three children.
Soon after marriage, he joined the United States Army. He served from 1975 until 1996 for a total of 21 years and 9 months. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his efforts in Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), National Defense Service Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer's professional Development ribbon with numeral 3, and other awards during his career.
Willie departed this life on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at his residence in Merrillville, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister, Doris (Pam) Moore Street, and adopted brother, John (Buster) Whipple.
Willie is survived by one daughter, Shantrell Ford of Columbus, GA, sons, Troy Ford (Jennifer) of Richmond Hill, GA, and Reginald Ford of Columbus, GA, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 5 brothers, Johnnie Ford of Dublin, GA, Jimmy (Jean) Ford of Augusta, GA, Calvin (Debra) Ford of Dublin, GA, Todd Ford, Dublin, GA, Otha Ford, Atlanta, GA, and a host of nieces and nephews..
Please post your condolences online at ServicesbyDudley.com.
Services by Dudley Funeral Home and Cremations of Dublin
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie, please visit our floral store.
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