Thomas “Tom” Larkin Ford, 78, of Savoy, Texas, passed away on January 2, 2020 at Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas, after fighting the most heroic battle of his life, proving to everyone that he truly was a “tough ol’ Ford”.
The family will be available for visitation at Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Bells, Texas, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
A “Celebration of Tom’s Life” will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 6, 2020, at Hebron Baptist Church in Bells, Texas, with Pastor Russell Clemons and son, Jason Ford officiating. Interment service will follow at the Hebron Cemetery.
Tom was born in Leonard, Texas, to Jimmie Ford and Jewel Murray Ford on October 6, 1941. He went to school in Bells, Texas, and as a young entrepreneur, started his own business making and selling ice in Bells, Texas. This was just the first indication of what a wonderful provider he would grow up to be for his family.
He married Velma Moore, the love of his life, on September 1, 1962 at Parker Grove Baptist Church in Ravenna, Texas. According to Velma, Tom won her over with his “good looks, sweet talk, and amazing kissing skills”. After their marriage, they moved to Houston, and Tom worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone until they moved back to their small town roots in Bells, Texas.
Tom later went to work for General Motors in Ft. Worth, Texas, and after leaving there, he and Velma moved home to Savoy, Texas, for the remainder of their marriage. Tom was always drawn to working on motors of any kind, including his mom’s single cylinder gas washing machine at 6 years old! Aside, from some short stents working for Ford Dealerships in Whitewright and Bonham, he spent most of his career as a self-employed, highly trusted auto mechanic. Upon “retirement”, Tom spent several years working on lawnmowers and tractors right up until the day he was admitted to the hospital. No matter what, Tom’s utmost priority was to provide for his family, and he did that without question, every single day of his life.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Jewel Ford and his son, Brian Larkin Ford.
Tom is survived by his wife, Velma Ford; son, Stephen Ford and wife, Shannon; son, Jason Ford and wife, Tammy; sister, Dorothy Flournoy; grandchildren: Tylor Ford, Todd Ford, Shannon Winkler and husband Cory, Maci Legg and husband Tanner, Mack Pickle and wife Destiny, Morgan Ford, and Kailen Ford; Great-grandchildren: Jordyn Fournier, Brody Fournier, Olivia Winkler, Scarlett Kollmansberger, Anson Legg, Remy Maloy, and Margo Legg.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tom Ford Benefit Fund at Cendera Bank in Bells, Texas, would be greatly appreciated. The family wishes to extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses, and therapists at Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas, who took such meticulous care of our husband/dad/pawpaw for the past 9 weeks and 4 days of his life here on earth. Words cannot express how deeply moved we are by the outpouring of love and support from a whole host of family and friends.
We are going to miss you so much Pawpaw Ford ? We love you!
Prayers for the family. Tom was a great man.
Velma , so sorry for your loss.Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Joan Ashford Stiles (classmate of Yvonne)
What a wonderful man he truly was. He was such a joy to be around and a great asset to our family. I pray for all of you to have peace in your hearts as you remember the strength, love and care he bestowed on you as the patriarch of the family♡ Rejoice and again I say, Rejoice!
We lost a really good guy and truly will be missed. Tom was one of my best friends and I will miss him. Take care ole buddy and Rest In Peace my friend.
Eddie Martin
Prayers to the Ford family on their loss.
Our prayers are for the family. Tom will be greatly missed.
Tom Ford was one of the greatest friends a person could ask for ! Always a smile ready and kind words for you ! I know he will be greatly missed by his famiky and many friends ! GO REST HIGH
Good man. Prayers for family and friends
So sorry for your loss R. I. P.
God bless your family
We lost a great friend, but heaven gained an angel. Tom will be truly missed, until we meet again.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Thomas was a long time good friend and classmate to us. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Ford family. I met Tom and his family in the mid eighties and became good friends with them, especially Stephen. May God comfort you through this time.
Prayers for peace and comfort to all that loved him.
When there are no words to soften the pain, may the healing begin. Velma I am sorry for your loss. May you and your family be blessed.
With Love and Sympathy.
I met Tom in the mid eighties and became friends with the family, especially Stephen. I am sorry to hear of your loss. May God keep you during your time of grief.
Dear Velma and Family,
You are each in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. You all are very special to us. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Love,
Helen Abbott and Family