William Steward Ford, age 89, beloved husband of the late Nancy (née Hess) for 66 years, passed away at home on August 24, 2026. He now rests in the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on September 2, 1936, on Fishpot Hollow, Fredericktown, PA, to the late Grace Ruby Lash and William Thome Ford.

Bill was a 1955 graduate of Centerville High School (Beth-Center HS) in Fredericktown, PA, where he was a standout athlete. Bill earned a full-ride football scholarship to West Virginia University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business. Following college, he joined the Army and later the Reserves. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy. He went on to have a career in sales, working the majority of his career and ultimately retiring from Mine Safety Appliances.

He worked hard and provided his wife and daughters with a loving and joyful home. Later in life, his words and actions showed his grandkids that he was their biggest fan who could be counted on to show up for them. He never knew a stranger and loved to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone he met. On any given day, Bill could be found in the early hours of the morning studying his Bible and praying, by name, for his kids and grandkids. He loved to read Scripture and note cross-references. He was a man who truly loved the Lord with all of his heart, mind, and strength. Even as dementia took many of his memories away from him, he always knew his girls, thanked them for all they did for him, and told them he loved them. He was truly a strong, kind, God-fearing, and loving man who led by example.

Bill is survived by his four daughters, twenty grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Linda Price (Mark), Donna Aiken (Mike), Lisa Johnson (Mark), and Debby Levak (Randy); cherished Papa of Micah, Noah, Elijah, Abby, and Isaiah Price; Emily, William, Amy, Ben (Anna), and Grace Aiken; Sarah Klein (Micah), Drew Johnson, Anna Gross (Ryan), Matt Johnson (Lexi), Rachel Porch (John), and Joey Johnson; Robby (Janna), Billy, Ricky, and Charley Levak; dear great-Papa of Lucy, Lincoln, Henry, and George. Bill also leaves behind over 20 nieces and nephews, to whom he is beloved “Uncle Bill,” and his treasured sister-in-law, Ellen Ford.

He was preceded in death by his six sisters, Agnes Troyan, Grace McWilliams, Virginia Fowkes, Mabel Yanosky, Violet “Dolly” Meyers, Anne DeLeonardo, and his only brother and best friend, Lloyd Ford.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Bill’s name to Bible Baptist Church.

Family and friends are asked to gather Monday, August 31st at Bible Baptist Church 20 Avalon Road. Bedford, Ohio 44146 for Funeral Services to celebrate Bill’s life at 11:00AM. VISITATION MONDAY 9:00AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICES. Interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. All are invited to join the family for lunch following interment at Bible Baptist Church.