Arthur "Art" Ford

Arthur "Art" Ford, 82, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away April 21, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born on March 23, 1934 in Bristol, Pennsylvania to the late Raymond Harry Ford and to Sara Alberta Ricketts Ford. Art was an avid outdoorsman who was most content in waders and camo, in a boat or a blind, holding a gun or a fishing pole with one or all of his boys. Yet with his girls, he would patiently...most often, anyway...chauffeur, shop, dine or simply sip a Starbucks and listen. He was a man who could lend an ear without voicing an opinion...yet he was a man who had a look that made one not want to disappoint him but strive to make him proud. Art was always ready and in for a game of "cards" but never a game of "poker". He was a man's man, who kept others entertained with his dumb-blond and off-color jokes...which were always laughed at, but sometimes questionably funny. Art was a man who loved life and others, especially his family. He worked hard, played hard and laughed loudly! Yet, he was also a man who quietly, humbly and respectfully served his family, friends and community...often without notice or recognition. Art was a faithful and committed State Farm Agent from 1965-2008. He was trusted by many in the community, often seen toting a camera to take pictures...yes, the kind you had to shake...and armed with a tenaciousness to do what was right and just, both by and for those he served. Art was a 57 year and Life Member of Acacia Lodge #94 AFM. He was the current Lodge Treasurer, a position he had proudly held since 1994. He was a past Master, having served honorably as Master in 1977. He received his Masonic Degrees in Acacia Lodge in 1956. Simply, Art Ford was a man who was loved by many and will be missed by all of those he touched. Art is survived by: his wife, Hilde Ford; mother, Alberta Ford; children, Lois Ford (Pat), Burt Ford (Samantha), Ray Ford (Shawna); and Step son, James Ferguson (Laura); grandchildren, Laken Blythe Roman (JR), Kenny Ford (Indea), Trace W Ford (Linsea), Dylan Ford, Trip Ford , Randy Ford and Ava Ford; great grandchildren, Noah Ford and Henry Roman; nephews, Ray Blease (Jo) and Jeff Blease (Beverly); other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Harry Ford and sister, Anna "Nancy" Blease. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Sunday April 24, 2016 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday April 25, 2016 in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd., Columbia, South Carolina with Interment following at Greenlawn Memorial Park Serenity Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Art to: Ducks Unlimited Memorial Contribution at One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 or the South Carolina Waterfowl Association at 9833 Old River Road, Pinewood, SC 29125.