Ronald Novell Ford

Ronald Novell Ford, age 74, passed away at his home in Cleveland, TN, and walked through Heaven’s gate on Monday, August 12, 2019.  He had battled cancer since December of 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of 27 years; four children, Carrie (Nikki) Ward, Janine Pashley and husband Mark, all of Cleveland, TN, Jason Boone of DeMotte, IN, and Gregg Ford and wife Leah of Londonderry, NH; and eleven grandchildren.

Ron fulfilled his role of my Hunny, Dad, Grampy, and Papa as the caring, teaching, and example setting man.

During the Vietnam War, Ron served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.  His battalion fought in several areas in which he earned three Purple Hearts for his injuries.   He had a 30-year career with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in Bradenton, FL, where he earned the Deputy of the Year award and the Medal of Valor.  Following his retirement, Ron worked for John Maben Rare Coins (JMRC) in Sarasota, FL, where he transported those coins across state lines and provided security.

Waterville Baptist Church has been Ron & Carolyn’s church home since moving to Cleveland, TN, in 2007.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be conducted 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Waterville Baptist Church, 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN, with Pastor Coby Goins officiating.  The private inurnment service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery will be a time for the immediate family to pay their last respects.  Pastor Joe Brooks will officiate.  Military honors will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church prior to the service. 

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Ford family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.