Charles Edward Ford
Charles Edward Ford of Monticello, passed away on July 9, 2021, at the age of 80.
Charles was born on December 3, 1940, in Thomaston, Ga. He was the first son of the late Frank and Thelma (Gill) Ford of Thomaston, Georgia, and affectionately known as “Charlie” by many of his friends and family.
After graduating in 1959 from Lagrange High School in Lagrange, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Va. Charles had just begun his Naval career when deployed to serve during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. After four years of active duty he served another 16 years reserve duty as an in-flight technician (IFT) with Patrol Squadron-62 (VP-62), nicknamed the Broadarrows, flying on the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from its home station of NAS Jacksonville, Fla., deploying worldwide.
Charles took great pride in protecting and serving his country in the United States Navy. After completing active duty Charles began his 38-year career with BellSouth, formerly Southern Bell, as a Switchman, from which he retired in 2002. After retirement he and his wife could be found traveling across the United States with friends or camping in Pensacola, Florida, at the U.S. Naval Air Station.
Charles and his loving wife, Gloria Jean Ford, were married for 61 years. He is survived by his three daughters Lisa (Marty) Fuller of Monticello, Laura (William, Jr.) Hudgins of Jackson and Lucy (Chad) Gibbs of Brooks, Georgia. He took extreme pride in his grandchildren Nathan (Jeannine) Fuller, Natalie Fuller, Megan (Kyle Pattison) Hammonds, Emily (Joshua) Hempel, Sara Hammonds, Hannah Gibbs, Katie Gibbs and Ford Gibbs. Charles adored his great- grandchildren Jacob Roberts, Briggs Ledford, Caroline Fuller, Harper Hempel, Kashton Pattison and Elisabeth Hempel. He is survived by siblings Helen Prather and Frank (Donna) Ford, Jr., of Alabama. Preceding him in death, was his older sister, Carol Ford Estes.
His tenacity served him well throughout his life. Even in his waning days, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, friends and neighbors.
Services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Callie Fuller Baptist Church in Monticello. A 10 a.m. visitation at the church will precede the 11 a.m. service. Interment will follow at Callie Fuller Baptist Church.