James Franklin "Frank Nitty" Ford

Obituary For James Franklin "Frank Nitty" Ford

James Franklin Ford was born on June 17, 1957 to the late Millie Beatrice Roberts Ford. He departed this life on May 31, 2025. James was affectionately known as Frank, Frank Nitty or Ford.

James had a unique personality. He was a friend to everyone he met. He was lively, full of spunk and a busybody known all around Durham. He had his own friends, but also made himself friends with all of his brothers' and sisters' friends. It was common for the other Ford siblings to be asked around Durham, "What's Frank been up to lately?!"

Frank was so proud of the time he spent in the Army. And you better believe he wouldn't let you forget it. Frank worked at various places throughout his working career, but the time he spent working at Duke Medical Center was his pride and joy.

Frank was an avid swimmer. He loved sports and was a diehard Duke fan. He loved going out to eat and going to concerts with his friend Cheryl Brewer. Frank also loved canvassing neighborhoods during election times with his church friend Mark Daughtridge.

When traveling solo, the Durham VA Hospital was Frank's go-to spot. He visited there so often that many people thought that he was an employee. Frank always found time for God. He read his bible every night and would often visit two or three churches in one day. He loved Union Baptist Church, St. Joseph AME Church and Trinity Methodist Church, where he maintained his final membership.

Frank loved his family. Even though he was sometimes hard on his sisters, he was their protector. He'd tell everyone on Fayetteville St. "Don't touch my sisters." His sisters fought hard to protect their baby brother too, especially his oldest sister Lorraine, who was like a mother to him, after the siblings lost their mother at a young age. His family prayed over him, prayed for his safety—and their sanity—from his wildest times. Despite a life of challenges that would have broken many, Frank lived a rich life of 67 years, bringing frustration and joy wherever he went—sometimes at the same time. We were all lucky to have had him in our lives.

Everyone has a Frank story: what's yours?

Frank was preceded in death by his son, Antonio Davis, his mother Millie Beatrice Ford, his brothers, George Roberts, Calvin Roberts, Senior, and Lawrence Ford, Junior and his grandmother (who raised him after the death of his mother) Neomiea "Big Momma" Roberts.

He is survived by a son, DeWarren Reid, a granddaughter, Nakia Moore, and a grandson, Antonio Stanback, three sisters, Lorraine Ford Clay (Clarence), Brenda Ford Harding (Robert), Doris Ford-Bullock, five nieces, Lesa Renae Roberts, LaTrisha Roberts, Jasmine Hodges-McGhee, Latarsha Ford Melvin, and Tiffany Clay Johnson, two nephews, Calvin Roberts, Junior and Phillip Ford, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and everyone whoever met him in Durham.

Services will be on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at First Calvary Baptist Church (1311 Morehead Avenue, Durham). Visitation will be at 11 am and the funeral service at 12pm.

All acts of kindness are appreciated during this difficult time. Donations may be made in Frank's honor to your local Veterans Organization. Condolences may also be sent to the Ford Family at 5312 Revere Road, Durham, NC 27713.

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