Harold Edward Ford

Harold Edward Ford went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, December 14, 2012, after receiving compassionate care at Hospice Atlanta. He was born in Sedalia, KY, February 3, 1925, and was the son of Noble and Verda Swann Ford. Harold was wounded in combat as a WWII Marine, and upon returning from the S. Pacific he eloped with his high school sweetheart, Wanda Hay Ford. He earned a BA in AG at Murray State Univ. and a MS in chemistry from the Univ. of KY. Harold served as the KY Commissioner of Agriculture before moving to Atlanta where he made his home in Avondale Estates. He worked for a period of time at Mar-Jac in Gainesville, GA and at Sanderson Farms in Laurel, MS, before returning to Atlanta as the Exec. VP of SE Poultry and Egg Assn.(Now US Poultry) where he remained until his retirement in 1992. Harold Worked to improve all areas of the poultry industry, both nationally and internationally. He was involved in legislative affairs at the congressional level and spoke frequently at congressional hearings. He was appointed to serve on many national and international committees. He also worked to expand universities' research programs, and structured and managed the world's largest Poultry Trade Show held annually in Atlanta. Harold received numerous local, state and national awards including the Kennedy Administration Presidential E Award for Excellence, served on the board of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and received their first Member of the Year award, won the National Agriculture Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Alumnus award for Murray State University. In appreciation of his dedication to the industry, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation was established for advance research funding. He enjoyed golfing at the Atlanta Athletic Club and made 3 holes-in-one. Harold loved serving others and was an ordained Baptist deacon. He volunteered for many causes including Prevent Blindness GA, US Paralympics, Children's Hospital Scottish Rite, Atlanta Food Bank, and read weekly to elementary students. Camp Sunshine was a special interest. Harold was a devoted husband, Daddy, and Papa and is survived by Karen Ford Monroe, Deborah Ford Randall, and Anita Ford Valdez (Dr. Ross Valdez). His grandchildren are Britt Randall Buckler (Dr. Brad Buckler), Lindsey Lee Monroe, Edward Keith Randall (Anne Dawson Randall), and Shay Monroe Boone (Steven Boone). His great grandchildren are Alli Lane and Elizabeth Buckler and Liam Boone. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Wanda, and his son-in-law, Dr. Ronald K. Randall. Gifts in his memory to any of the charities listed above or to one of your choice are welcome and appreciated. Visitation will be at A.S. Turner and Sons on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 6 pm. Funeral services will be at Smoke Rise Baptist Church Dec. 17 at 11:00 am with interment at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033