Oscar Ford, Jr. was born January 10, 1936, in Frenchman’s Bayou to Oscar Ford, Sr. and Lula Ferguson Ford. Oscar attended school at J.M. Speck in Frenchman’s Bayou and Woodstock Training School in Millington, Tennessee. He continued his education by attending AM& N College, presently The University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff where he received a BS degree in Agricultural Education and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, receiving his MSE in Secondary Administration and Advanced Studies in Principalship. Mr. Ford dedicated his professional career to shaping young minds and building strong characters through education and community service. He often sang a song that said, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain”. Not only did he sing it he lived it. Mr. Ford gave so much to so many, vegetables and greens from his gardens, finances to help young people continue their education, serving on various boards and committees throughout Mississippi County and Arkansas.

Mr. Ford was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Frenchman’s Bayou, where he sang in the choir, and was an associate member of Bethel A.M. E Church in Blytheville where he sang in their choir and served as their cook for special occasions. He was a faithful volunteer worker for Enoch Chapel A.M.E. Church as well as the caretaker for Mt. Zion and Carr Cemeteries.

Mr. Ford was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Loistein Bobo, Verneta Hill, Geneva Hill, and Patricia Barner, and his son Alfonzo Ford.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Faye Maxine Williams Ford of the home; his beloved daughter, Armetris Ford (H. Clay, III) of Blytheville, Arkansas; one brother Rogers (Gloria) Ford of Joiner, Arkansas; two sisters, Alma J. Richmond of Memphis, Tennessee and Annie Bell Lacy of Gosnell, Arkansas; a granddaughter, Nayana Guyton of Memphis, Tennessee, a great grandson, Elijah Guyton of Blytheville, Arkansas; two brothers-in-law, T.W. Hill of Memphis, Tennessee and James Barner of Greenbriar, Arkansas; Godchildren, Jacqueline Burton, Gregory Burton, Dr. Rufus Lawshea, Deidra Guyton, Larry Guyton, Linda Richard and Sheila Northern-Johnson, devoted caregiver, Charles Mouton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, God grandchildren, God great grandchildren, former colleagues, former students, and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 5:00 until 7:00 at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 809 East Main Street, Blytheville, Arkansas where Reverend Rickey Everett is the pastor.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 12:00 noon at First Baptist Church Frenchman’s Bayou, 7301 South Hwy 61, Joiner, Arkansas, Reverend Jimmy Johnson is the pastor and will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow at Paradise Gardens Cemetery in Edmondson, Arkansas.

Charitable donations may be made in memory and honor of Mr. Oscar Ford, Jr. to the MCAEOC Cancer Council, 1400 North Division Street, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315, or Post Office Box 1289, Blytheville, Arkansas 72316.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mhfuneralhomeinc. or visit us on Facebook at McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.

McDonald-Horne Funeral is in charge of all services and arrangements.