GEORGE E. FORD
March 27, 1922-March 17, 2008
George E. Ford, of 314 Daniel Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., was called home to be with his Savior on Monday. Born in Buena Vista, Pa., he was the last surviving child of the late Maude Brown Ford and William Ford. He was preceded in death by a brother, James of Aurora Ill., a brother, William of Glassport, Pa.; and a sister, Clara Jane Watson of Spencer, Mass.
George was proud to have enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Wilkes-Bourne. He was the recipient of the Pacific Theatre Ribbon (four stars), the Good Conduct Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon (one star). He also witnessed the signing of the Peace Treaty aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, George worked for over 40 years in a number of business enterprises in the Pittsburgh area including: the George E. Ford Coal Company and Riverview Golf Course, Inc., until his retirement in 1988 and his move to Goldsboro in 1992. Following retirement, George engaged in his favorite pastimes, which were traveling with his wife, Ethel, of 57 years, playing golf, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and his grandchildren compete in their favorite sports. George was an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Soup Kitchen.
Over his adult life, George was a Master Mason for over 60 years (Lodge No. 731 A.F. & A.M. McKeesport, Pa.) and a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (Pittsburgh, Pa.), the Syria Temple of the Shrine of Pittsburgh, Pa., the Golden K Kiwanis of Goldsboro, Central Highlands United Methodist Church of Elizabeth, Pa., St. Luke United Methodist Church of Goldsboro and the Wesley Sunday school class. George received the John Wesley Service Award for his work with the Methodist Church.
George is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Ethel; his son, Dr. John E. Ford and wife, Kimberly, of Goldsboro; his son, Dr. George W. Ford and wife, Karen, of Snellville, Ga., his seven grandchildren, Aaron and wife, Jacqueline Kim Ford, Scott, Jeremy, Shannon, Ryan, Cameron and Catherine. Also dear to George were Anna V. Ford of Goldsboro; and special nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday at St. Luke United Methodist Church beginning at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life service to follow at 3 p.m. Members of the Golden K Kiwanis will serve as honorary pallbearers. A reception for family and friends will follow the funeral service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine St., Goldsboro, N.C. 27530 or to the Shrine Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, N.C. 28560.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are with Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, N.C. 27534.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 20, 2008 1:49 PM