On Saturday, August 10, 2013, the Lord whispered into his servant ear and told him that it was time for him to come home. Richard was born in Capron, VA to the late Pete and Julia Artis Ford on October 1, 1935. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gladys Ford Hill and a daughter-in-law, Christine Evans Ford.

Before becoming a Longshoremen, he worked for Southern Blocking Co. and he ran a service station. In 2000, Richard had retired from the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) Local 1248 after nearly 30 years of service. Before his bout with Alzheimer's, he faithfully served on the Deacon Board and was a member of The Way of Truth C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Elder Wilbert J.L. McNair, Sr.

Richard leaves to cherish his memories, his caregiver and loving wife of 55 years, Shirley Boykins Ford; his sons, Richard Ford, Jr. of VA Beach and Gregory Ford (Gloria) of Norfolk; his daughters, Beverly Ford-Mitchell, Elder Cassandra Ford Wood, and Candance Ford Wood, all of Chesapeake; his brother, Okie Lee Ford of Port Chester, NY; two brother-in-laws, Robert Boykins of Newport News and Floyd Smith, Sr. of Chesapeake; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his beloved pet Judy, and a host of adopted children and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A home going celebration will be held noon Friday at The Way of Truth C.O.G.I.C. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held Thursday from 3pm – 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Home, Chesapeake. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.