Don Wendell Ford

Don Wendell Ford, 78, of West Columbia, died after a long illness on August 17, 2024. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Sylvia Mobley Ford; daughters Melissa Ford Vagts (James) of Derby, Kansas, and Susan Ford Smith (Jason) of Simpsonville, SC; grandsons Sutton Smith and Cameron Vagts, and granddaughter Sidney Smith.

Born on April 30, 1946 in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Henry Edward Ford and Margaret Yonce Ford. After graduating from Wade Hampton High School in 1964, he continued his education at Wofford College earning a BS degree. He embarked on a 30-year career with the State of South Carolina and the Employment Security Commission. In this role, he dedicated many years to coordinating training programs for unemployed and underprivileged youth, administering federal grants, and serving on various advisory councils. Additionally, he completed advanced studies at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government as part of his professional development.

Don had a deep passion for travel and enjoyed various types of music and attending concerts. His love for reading and research led him through countless books and articles. After retiring, he devoted many hours to volunteering at Lexington Medical Center. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren, who will fondly remember his entertaining jokes and riddles. A free-thinker with an insatiable curiosity, Don was always in pursuit of new knowledge and experiences.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, 140 Gibson Rd., Lexington, SC 29072, or online at dickersoncac.org.