After a staunch and lengthy fight, Herman Alphonso Ford, Sr. peacefully transitioned on Friday, September 11, 2015. He was the youngest of ten siblings, born to the late Samuel and Viola (Glover) Ford on February 5, 1934. He was predeceased by his siblings: Estelle Dillard, Jesse, Gladys Goode, Minnie Manly and Samuel. Ultimately, "Rev" obtained a Masters of Divinity from Virginia Union University; prior to this he received his early education in the public school system of his hometown, Lynchburg, Virginia, where he graduated from Dunbar High School. He then matriculated at Hampton Institute (presently Hampton University), where he majored in Interior Design. It was during his senior year at Hampton that he recognized his "calling". When recanting the story, he reinforced how resistant he was to accepting "the call". Herman was far more interested in the opportunity to work in the interior design department of Macy's department store in New York City. As he put it, he would be one of the first blacks working there that wasn't sweeping the floor. Herman was a devoted and unwavering supporter of civil rights and racial equality. As a young minister and community leader, on the forefront of the civil rights, he received countless death threats and even had attempts made on his life. One such event included shots being fired into his home, narrowly missing his wife and young son. Still, none of this deterred him in his fight for justice. Throughout his life, Herman chaired and served in numerous capacities with civic and state boards, commissions and private organizations whose causes championed the progress, protection and well-being of humanity. Just a few of these included: Chairing The Citizen's Interracial Group for the Development of Policies and Programs for Minorities' in the Public Schools (Lynchburg, Virginia); Mayor's Committee to Investigate Police Procedures and Brutality (Youngstown, Ohio; Chairman Fair Employment Practice Commission (Youngstown, Ohio); Chaplain Baltimore City Police Department, and a Life Member in NAACP. As a result of his civic and religious works, Herman received untold citations and recognitions throughout his life. One such recognition included being named "Clergyman of the Year", in 1982, by the Miles W. Connor Chapter of the Virginia Union University Alumni Association. In addition to his pastoral obligations and community commitments, he was an instructor. He was a distinguished teacher of Homiletics, the Old Testament, Church Worship and World Religions. He taught in classrooms, seminars and workshops throughout his life. Into retirement, he even did so at the "other HU", teaching at Howard University's School of Divinity. Rev. Ford preached his trial sermon, "The Baptism of Christ", on December 23, 1956 and was ordained on October 20, 1957 by Rev. Albert Hill, Pastor, Rivermont Baptist Church. His pastoral tenures included: Forest Level Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia (1957-1961); Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia (1961-1972); Tabernacle Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio (1972-1979), and Fountain Baptist Church (1979-2006). Marking 49 years in the ministry and 26 years at his beloved Fountain, he retired in 2006 amidst growing health issues. Nevertheless, Rev. Ford continued to serve. In addition to teaching, he could often be found officiating weddings, funerals, baptisms and baby dedications. Despite his reluctance as a young man, Pastor Ford had a love for serving the people of God. Among his peers, he was well respected and valued. Pastor Ford was often referred to as a "preacher's preacher". His style was that of a teaching preacher. Untold young (and old) ministers sought his advice and mentoring. Quite a few have blessed him with the honor of being their "father in the ministry", something he took great pride in. During his retirement celebration, one of his "sons" preached the message "A Man, A Mission, A Message" (Matthew 3:1-2). As a pastor, he ran a "tight ship". He was a stickler for decency and order. He expected exact protocol on all matters. A prominent, local funeral director relays that as a young man, he always knew to be more proficient when serving a Fountain family. Pastor Ford even taught his congregation how to effectively and properly conduct meetings, utilizing Robert's Rules of Order. One of his trademark phrases was "answer the question being asked". Although his exactness could be vexing, it worked to his advantage. His uncompromising mindset, superlative standards and incomparable integrity, coupled with his boundless energy and enthusiasm served him well .. .in and out of the pulpit. In addition to the spiritual needs of the church, he successfully oversaw the business side. He exemplified the title of CEO, along with pastor. Without a MBA, he effectively mastered all business matters; having the churches he pastored, grow spiritually, numerically and fiscally. Our dad was a multifaceted man, he was quintessential. He displayed class and grace. When dressed, he always smelled good and donned the finest custom suits and shirts with coordinating ties and distinguishing cufflinks ... all before it was the "in thing". Yet, when he wasn't dressed, you could find him in stain laden khakis, a ratty t-shirt, suspenders and indescribable sneakers. There was nothing pretentious about him, but you knew he was to be respected; it was implied by his demeanor. Whether he had on a fine suit or overalls, he was the same. You never had to wonder his position or where he stood on a topic, He could articulately and eloquently convey any idea or notion. His vast vocabulary, included the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. Despite this, he could "cut up" with the best of them. He was a fun loving and compassionate man; an "01' farm boy" at heart. His past times included: gardening, refurbishing horse drawn wagons, painting, riding horses and anything farm related. He had an ongoing love affair with Ford Acres, the family farm in Amherst, Virginia. He was also known as an excellent marksman, owning multiple firearms. He regularly vetted Missy's dates while cleaning one of his many guns. In addition to the church and farm, his real love was his family. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Janice Marie Robinson on August 24,1957. They partnered until her death in 2000. Together they raised two children, "Bo" and "Missy" and had the pleasure of spoiling their first granddaughters, Kendra and Kayla, and their first grandson, Trevon. Without reservation, Dad (or Diddy, as Missy calls him), spoiled all of us. Even when wrong, he'd fight to the death to defend his loves. And even when we didn't see eye to eye, his love was ever present. Following Janice's death, he was briefly married to Betty Anderson Rollins. She was an integral part in his ability to spoil the younger grandchildren. In addition, to his own children, Dad loved and spoiled whomever he could. He had a special relationship with all of his nieces and nephews, each one being made to feel that they were his favorite. His undying love for his brothers and sisters was undeniable. Even when displeased with one another, an outsider could face his wrath for an unfavorable remark about one of his siblings. Our friends became his adopted children, nieces and nephews. The "unlucky" were fed and clothed. Tuitions were paid. Without hesitation, he willingly shared everything he had. He has been Haaayman to some, Heeerrman to others, Dad, Diddy, Poppa, Unc, Rev, George, Baldy, Paul, Jerry Falwell and Pastor ... and maybe an occasional unmentionable name or two; all these just to fill the role of husband, father, son, brother, uncle, mentor, friend and pastor. He did it all in a way that we were all grateful to call him ours and others to wish he was theirs. He leaves to celebrate his life: son, Herman Jr. "Bo"; daughter, Viola Marie; granddaughters, Kendra (currently stationed in Seoul, Korea), Kayla, Tyler Corrine and Jabria; two grandsons, Trevon and Jacob; and a great- granddaughter, Kennedy (also in Korea); sisters, Lorraine (Malcolm) Cobbs, Viola McPherson and Rosa Taylor; one brother, George Ford, Sri daughter-in-law, Celisa Ford; son-in-law, Troy Wise; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; godson, Travis Reynolds; and a vast number of special kinships, including his companion Ms. Doris Berry. Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, September 18, 2015 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Falls Road A.M.E. Church Saturday, September 19, 2015 01:00 PM Email Details 2145 Pine Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21133 Funeral to begin @ 2:00 pm Directions