Ford D. Smith's Obituary
Ford Smith Obituary
Ford D. Smith, 94, of North Ridgeville, Ohio died October 26, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. He was born November 10, 1926 in Coxs Mills, Gilmer County, WV and grew up on a farm near Glenville, WV. He moved to Elyria, Ohio in 1950 and has been a resident of North Ridgeville since 1963. Ford was also a 1946 graduate of Tanner High School, Tanner, WV and attended Glenville State College. He also received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Elyria Business College in 1956. In 1951 he was inducted into the US Army and spent 19 months in Germany as an instructor at an ordnance school where he taught optical instruments, anti-aircraft machine guns and 105 and 155 howitzer gun repair and maintenance. After returning from his military service he returned to Bendix Corporation where he worked until retiring in 1983. Ford enjoyed feeding and watching birds and wildlife in his backyard, porch sitting and visits with family and friends. He also enjoyed metal detecting, gardening and attending garage sales when younger. Ford is survived by daughters, Patricia "Penny" (John "Fritz") Brandau and Vicki Jo Smith; sons Richard (Kathy) Smith, Robert (Sheryl) Smith and Edward (Ardie) Smith; 8 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Louise Starett and Loretta McElwee; a brother, Virgil (June) Smith; sisters in law, Bettie Smith, Floy Smith, Janet Smith and Mavis Smith; brother in laws Charles(Ginny) Stoneking and Mike (Helen) Stoneking; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Nelda Marie in 2007; sisters, Wilma Cather, Ava Wahneva Folk and Lucille Butler; brothers, Paige, Levi, Don, Layke, Willard and Richard Dean Smith; and a great-grandchild, Bella Joann Taylor. Friends will be received Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. Friends will also be received Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of an 11:00 am service at the funeral home. Reverend Larry Starett will officiate. Masks are optional if fully vaccinated. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township where Elyria VFW # 1079 will present military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.VisitationDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceFriday, October 29, 2021 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 VisitationDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceSaturday, October 30, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 ServiceDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceSaturday, October 30, 2021 11:00 AM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 GravesideRidge Hill Memorial ParkSaturday, October 30, 2021 North Ridge Rd.Amherst Township, OH 44001
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