Mike “Boots” Ford, 69, of the Sulphur Springs Community, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 27, 2021, following a brief illness.
Mike was born and raised in Washington County, Tennessee, and graduated from Sulphur Springs school in 1971. Mike recently retired from Washington County Sheriffs Department after 27 years as the Lead of the Food Service Department. He was a proud member of New Hope Brethren Church.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Cleo Ford, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
Survivors include his wife and soulmate of the home, Jan, his beloved son, Mike Hawkins and his wife Julie, the two lights of his life, grandson Caleb and granddaughter Izzy, brothers, Ray Ford and his wife Bertha, Dale Ford and his wife Joyce, Dennis Ford and his wife Joan, sisters, Donna Pruitt and her husband David, June Gibson and her husband Tim, numerous nieces and nephews and countless extended family.
Mike proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for 8 years, where he learned the tools of his trade, cooking. He was currently serving his 3rd term as Washington County Commissioner serving on numerous committees. He was a member of the Sinking Creek Masonic Lodge, the Arcania Eastern Star Lodge, the Blue Knights International Motorcycle Club, and was a member of the Washington County Cattleman’s Association. He served on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Constable Association and was a member of the Hales Chapel and Leesburg Ruritan. He was currently the president of the Tri-State Antique Power Association and belonged to several Antique Car clubs. Mike was also currently serving his 27th year as the oldest member of the Washington County Reserve Deputy Program. He sang and played bass for many gospel groups over the years which he enjoyed greatly. His unyielding Christian morals made him the strong force in his family and what he displayed to his family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home on Friday, December 31, 2021, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and again on Saturday, January 1, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will follow Saturday’s visitation and will begin at 7:00 PM. A private burial will be performed on Mike’s beloved family farm.
Pastor John H. Moore will be officiating.
The funeral will be live streamed on Dillow-Taylor Funeral Homes YouTube page.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at P.O. Box 98, Jonesborough, TN, or to New Hope Brethren Church Building Fund at 352 New Hope Road, Jonesborough, TN.
01/24/2022
David and Sandra Holt
Sending our prayers and sympathies to your family. We are thankful for Mike's service to our community. We know he will be greatly missed.
01/04/2022
Sally Brocklebank
Jan and Family, prayers and love. Sorry I could not attend I had a cold and was felling ill. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation has been sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To Jan, family and friends, Myrna (Sue) and I were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I sang with Mike in the Eastern Gate Quartet. During that time I came to know Mike as a pleasant, loving, kind, caring person. I am honored to call him my friend.
The little I got to know you and Mike at the Leesburg Ruritan showed me what fine people you are. And I always knew Mike was working hard for his community. My prayers are with you and your family as you adjust to his absence.
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My husband, Dennis May who passed away in April, worked for Mike several years at WCDC and thought so much of him. I'm sure they're both rejoicing together in Heaven today! My condolences to all his family.
So sorry to hear about Mike passing away he had known me scene I was a little girl he will sure be missed you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Mom and dad said they hated to hear that also sending their love.
01/02/2022
Hobart Powell & family
Our thoughts and prayers are for a very special family!
01/01/2022
Gary and Kathy Cox
Jan, we send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Mike was always so kind to our family and we have wonderful memories of him.
Jan, Ray, Dale, Dennis, Donna and June: I’m so sorry for the loss of sweet Mike. He was like a brother to me, as all of you are like my family. He will be so missed, but we have the joy of knowing he is celebrating with family and Jesus now, no longer suffering....I love you all dearly!!
01/01/2022
Rick and VivianMccrary
Jan so sorry for your loss and ours Mike will missed by so many people and Tri State Antique Power Club has lost a great leader so thankful for his friendship and yours .
Jan sorry for your loss mike was a great man. We are going to miss him alot. If u need anything let me know ok. We love you. You are in our prayers and family.
Mike was a great man. It was a privilege to know him and call him friend. Jan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts,prayers, and love are with all of you.
You are in my thougts and prayers.Love
You are in my thoughts and prayers
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
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12/30/2021
Jim & BJ Dawson
Dear Jan, Donna & Dale, We are heartbroken to hear of Mike’s passing. What a wonderful friend for so many years. Mike’s heart for servanthood showed in all he did. He was so supportive of community efforts & volunteer fire service. Heaven has certainly gained an angel. May God wrap you in His arms and give you comfort and peace. We love you dearly. Jim & BJ Dawson
12/30/2021
Ronald and Carol Alley, TSAPA
The earth has lost a fine man who obviously loved his family and his country. We will miss his presence at our Tractor club meetings and events. However, we know that he has gained the greatest reward--heaven and being in the presence of the God Mike loved.
So sorry to hear that our friend has gone home. I am encouraged that he had a testimony of hope in Jesus. We had just celebrated our 50 year class reunion in October. Thanks Jan again for the time we had with you n Mike that evening. I might add a good time with fellow classmates that were able to be there. Our prayers are with Jan and the family as you walk this path in your life. God has promised His comfort to us in trying times. Praying you will be able to know His presence!
So sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great friend who lived the lord.@ his family. I can remember a while back when he had his gospel group. What singing.im sure he has picked up where he lefted off. I went to school with Mike .My thoughts @ prayers are with Jan, Dale @ rest of family
12/29/2021
tammy greene surcey
jan sorry to hear of mikes passing he was such a nice man will be greatly missed by so many my thoughts and prayers are with you love you
12/29/2021
Catherine (Callahan) Long
Jan, so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, but I know the angels welcomed him home. Sorry I won’t be able to attend since iam currently sick. Continued prayers for you and your family.
12/29/2021
Steve Stafford
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing, he was always a great friend with a smiling face, hadn't seen him in some time, but I grew up with him and Donna and Dale. I am always hearing of his love for community and sharing his time to help others. I'm sure he will be missed dearly by all the great family of the Ford's, we will be praying for God's grace during this time. We send our Love - Steve and Lisa Stafford
12/29/2021
Diane & Bob Cupp
We were so sadden to hear of Mike's passing and am keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Bob is really going to miss his breakfast buddie he was a great friend who will be missed by many.
Mike was a great man and brother. Mike was one of my closest and dearest friends I was blessed to have Mike as a friend to me. Mike will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to Jan and the family.
12/28/2021
Stella Coffey Turnmire-lewis
Jan I am sorry to hear about Mike passing he was a wonderful man to know I believe that didn't know a stranger I know u will be miss him remember your happy times not bad times thank u for sharing with us k my prayers r with u these days to come k love always Stella Coffey turnmire-lewis
12/28/2021
Anita Hodges Taylor
Jan and family, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Gone too soon.......am thankful for the hope we have of a Heavenly reunion one glorious day. Love and prayers.....
12/28/2021
Kent and Gayle Williams
We are so sorry for your loss.We didn’t know Mike but have been close friends with Dale and Dennis for many years.Yours is a wonderful family that has been contributing to society for many years.
12/28/2021
Don & Diana Brewer
Dale, so sorry to hear about your brother Mike's passing, we will keep you and the Ford family in our prayers.
Mike was always a pleasure to be around. May God give you the comfort only He can give. Praying for you all.
12/28/2021
Susan Phillips
So very sorry for your loss. Mike has been a wonderful Father in law to Julie, Father to Mike and husband to Jan.Our county will surely miss his guidance. Jan. I will miss the pimento cheese. Sending prayers for each of you during this hard time. Much love, Susan and Hank
12/28/2021
Pat Wines Stephens
Prayers for you in the coming days. I had the opportunity to see and talk with Mike when I would come from Atlanta to visit my brother, Dickie Wines. Mike will be missed.
12/28/2021
Debra Hodge Campbell
Jan I was sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a good friend to Dad and a help to me when he passed. Mike was such a good friend and help to anyone that needed it. I will be praying for you and your family in the coming days.
12/28/2021
Mark & Lisa Bacon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mike was like a brother to Mark
12/28/2021
Darleen Peters
Jan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was an amazing man, boss, and friend. I will never forget him. I am just a call away if you need anything
12/28/2021
Michaela and Dusty Saylor
Mike was an amazing man who loved and tried to help everyone. We are blessed to have known him. Mike, you will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this rough time.
