Ronald Ford Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest on July 4, 2026, at the age of 85. A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, volunteer, and friend, Ronald lived a life marked by perseverance, service, faith, and redemption. His journey reminds us that God’s grace has the power to transform lives and restore relationships.

Born on August 5, 1940, at West Jersey Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, Ronald “Ronnie” Ford Sr. was the firstborn child of the late Robert William Ford and Alice Johnson Mathews Ford. Affectionately known as “Ronnie” by his family and childhood friends, he developed the determination, kindness, resilience, and sense of humor that would characterize his life.

Ronnie attended John W. Mickle Elementary School, Hatch Junior High School, and graduated from Camden High School in 1958. A gifted student and athlete, he excelled academically and competed in track and cross-country, earning two varsity letters and placing 13th in the New Jersey State Cross-Country Championship. He also served as Vice President of Junior Achievement and participated on the Castle Crier Staff. Outside the classroom, Ronnie enjoyed spending time with friends and cousins, attending dances, and creating lifelong memories.

After graduating from Camden High School, Ronald attended Pierce Business School in Philadelphia before continuing his education at Camden County College, Rutgers University, and Central Michigan University, where he earned his master’s degree. His commitment to learning reflected his belief that education was a lifelong journey.

On February 22, 1962, Ronald proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, followed by technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, specializing in microwave communications and radio equipment maintenance. His assignments included Roswell, New Mexico, and Joplin, Missouri. During his Air Force career, Ronald completed more than three years of overseas service and received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and other commendations recognizing his exemplary service. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 19, 1966.

Ronald’s dedication to serving his country continued through the United States Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After years of faithful and honorable service, he was transferred to the Retired Reserve on September 20, 1995. The discipline, integrity, and commitment he learned through military service became hallmarks of his character throughout his life.

Following his military service, Ronald worked for RCA Victor before beginning a distinguished career with the Federal Government, where he faithfully served for more than 30 years. He retired from the United States Naval Academy as a Civilian Personnel Management Specialist, a position that allowed him to travel throughout the United States and abroad.

On February 25, 1967, Ronald married Shirley G. Thomas at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Camden, New Jersey. Together they were blessed with four children: Veronica, Denise, Butch, and Shawn. He later married the late Lola Robinson and lovingly embraced Michael Robinson as his stepson.

Ronald’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. His Christian journey began at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Camden before he embraced the Catholic faith and became a member of St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church. After relocating to Maryland, he became a devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Glen Burnie, where he faithfully served as an usher, assisted during Mass, and brought Holy Communion to members who were unable to attend church.

Service to others was one of Ronald’s greatest joys. He generously volunteered more than 2,884 hours with the United Service Organizations (USO), supporting military service members and their families. He also devoted countless hours to the Baltimore African American Historical and Genealogical Society (BAAHGS), the Maryland Historical Society, and the Annapolis Family History Center, helping preserve African American history and genealogy for future generations. His passion for history inspired his dedication to honoring the courageous legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, ensuring their remarkable story would continue to be remembered.

Ronald’s extraordinary military service, volunteerism, and community leadership earned him numerous honors and citations from local, state, and national leaders, including recognition from the White House, members of the United States Congress, the Governor of Maryland, and many civic organizations. Yet those who knew him best remember not the awards he received, but the kindness, wisdom, humility, and generosity he shared so freely.

Ronald believed that family was one of God’s greatest gifts. Whether spending time with his children and grandchildren or faithfully calling his beloved Aunt Lois Martin, the family’s cherished matriarch, every Sunday like clockwork, he nurtured relationships that spanned generations. Those weekly conversations were a testament to his enduring love, faithfulness, and commitment to family.

Like many lives, Ronald’s journey was not without challenges. There were seasons when family relationships were strained, and difficult choices affected those he loved. Yet one of the greatest testimonies of his life was God’s power to restore what had once been broken. In his later years, Ronald intentionally rebuilt relationships with his children and family, replacing distance with love, laughter, forgiveness, and treasured memories. His final chapter became one of healing, grace, and reconciliation.

One of God’s greatest gifts to Ronald and his family came during the final week of his life. Just one week before his passing, he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and loved ones on a family cruise celebrating Shirley G. Ford’s 80th birthday. At his family’s loving encouragement, Ronald used a mobility scooter for the first time so he could safely enjoy the ship. Since it was his first time driving one, his family affectionately nicknamed him “Student Driver.” Ronald laughed right along with them, embracing the joke with his wonderful sense of humor. Together they shared meals, posed for photographs, enjoyed family activities, and created priceless memories.

Those final days became more than cherished memories—they became a testimony of God’s redeeming love. In His perfect timing, He gave Ronald and his family one final week together filled with healing, laughter, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Ronald’s life reminds us that our beginning does not determine our ending. Through God’s grace, relationships can be restored, hearts can be healed, and love can triumph. Ronald finished his race surrounded by the love of his family and at peace with those who mattered most.

Ronald leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Dr. Veronica Leftridge (Raymond), Dr. Denise King (Marcus Sr.), Ronald “Butch” Ford Jr. (Patricia), Shawn Manderson (Tony), and Michael Robinson; his beloved grandchildren, Eboni Murraine (Omar), Larry Langston, Alecia Goodwyn (Taylor), Essence Leftridge, Elijah Leftridge, Marcus King Jr. (Anjelai), Quadree King, Ronald “Trey” Ford-Robinson III, Christina Manderson, Sophia Ford-Robinson, and Luke Manderson; his cherished great-grandchildren; his loving siblings, Delia Ford Brown, Raymond Ford Sr. (Jackie), and Debra Ford; his longtime companion, Celestial Queen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his love.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Robert William Ford and Alice Johnson Mathews Ford; his brother, Robert Ford Jr.; and his beloved wife, Lola Robinson.

The Ford family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, encouragement, visits, calls, cards, flowers, and countless acts of kindness during this time of bereavement. Your compassion has been a tremendous source of comfort and strength, and we are forever grateful.

In His Own Words

“Now I thank Him for bringing me to this time in my life, and I want to thank each of you who have been a part of my wonderful journey. May God continue to bless and keep you. God has been good to me!”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:" — Ronald Ford Sr.