James W. “Billy” Ford, age, 87, died Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the MS State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS. He was born April 1, 1928 in Yalobusha County, MS to the late Riley and Myrtis Cook Ford. Billy served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Panola County, MS and a member of the Yalobusha VFW. Billy was a mechanic for Holley Carburetor/Borg-Warner in Water Valley where he retired after 23 years of service. He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, visiting with family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. James West and Bro. Daniel Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church Cemetery in Panola County, MS, with Jesse Ford, Nick Ford, Lee Johnson, Paul Robison, John Ford, Jr. and Rodney Sullivan serving as pallbearers.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Janie (Mike) Cosby of Water Valley, MS; his sons, Bob Ford of Batesville, MS, John D. Ford of Panola County, MS and Kenny (Linda) Ford of Dallas, GA; two sisters, Dorothy Mixon of Batesville, MS and Kay (Nolan) Mettetal of Sardis, MS; two brothers, Boyd (Johnnie Lou) Ford and Sonny (Amanda) Ford all of Batesville, MS; fifteen grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Betty Jane Mixon Ford; a sister, Julia Ann Thompson; and a brother, Bobby Ford.