Mr. James Roy Ford, Jr., age 81, of Midland, GA died on Friday November 15, 2024 at Canterbury Rehabilitation Hospital in Phenix City, AL. Mr. Ford was born on September 20, 1943 in Thomaston, GA to James Roy Ford, Sr. and Margaret Brock Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son John Travis Ford and infant son Jason Shane Ford, and in-laws J. C. and Ruby Davis Hudson of Manchester, GA.

Mr. Ford is survived by his wife of 60 years Marie Hudson Ford, son James (Jim) Roy Ford III, brothers Thomas (Rita) Edwin Ford of Pace, Fl. and Phillip Lee (Susan) Ford of Warm Springs, GA, grandchildren Carle’ Ford, Jacob Ford, Landon Ford, and four great grandchildren Carolina Knight, Bentlee Knight, River Ford and Jaxson Ford, and several nieces and a nephew.

Roy grew up in Manchester, graduated from Manchester High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Air Force in 1964. He and Marie were married in 1964 and started their life together in Denver CO while Roy was attending Air Force training as part of the Strategic Air Command, eventually working as an electronics technician on the B-52 bomber aircraft. Upon leaving the Air Force, Roy went to work with IBM which started his long career in the computer field.

Roy, or Skip as he was known to the family, had a wide variety of interests. He was an expert archer and marksman with a vast knowledge of firearms. Roy was creative in leather working making knife scabbards and accessories for jackets. He was interested in the Plains Indian culture and made many replicas of lances and other items. The study of Egyptology was a lifelong pursuit for Roy. He studied extensively for decades and even learned to read hieroglyphics. He loved music and became very proficient with the mountain Dulcimer. He collected instruments from local makers and played on many occasions such as mountain festivals. One of Roy’s greatest pleasures was riding motorcycles, especially his Harley-Davidson. He logged many miles, traveling to Key West, FL and other distant places.

Roy was a member of North Highland Assembly of God Church in Columbus. After his beard turned white, he was Santa Clause in the Christmas program for many years. Asa young adult Roy was ordained as a deacon in Northside Baptist Church in Manchester and taught Sunday School.

Roy loved to talk with people and could discuss almost anything with anybody. He was a master storyteller who could hold listeners spellbound for hours.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that showed his affection in many ways. From long serious discussions about his favorite topics, to teaching them core values and meaningful lessons, to enjoying a good laugh. Roy wore many hats throughout his life, the cowboy hat preferably.

A memorial service will be held on December 7, 2024 at 2 PM at Meriwether Memorial Gardens with a visitation at 1 PM at Cox Funeral Home, 93 Prather Barnes Rd. Manchester, GA 31816.

Georgia Cremation – Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.