Thomas James Ford, Jr.

Ford ~ Thomas James Ford Jr., affectionately known as Mack to family and friends, was born March 17, 1942, in Olustee, Florida to the late Thomas James Ford, Sr. and the late Lillian Files Ford.  He graduated from Keller High School in Macclenny, Florida.  Thomas served in the United States Army and graduated from Edward Waters College earning a bachelor’s degree in education.  Following graduation, he went on to become an educator in Baker, Nassau, and Duval counties while also earning both a Master’s and a Doctorate.  Thomas was a high school basketball coach and notary and, in his summers off from teaching, an ice delivery truck driver.  In his retirement, Thomas presided as president of the Retired Teachers Association in Nassau County and was an avid basketball official, jogger, recreational baseball player, and sports fan.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Hiram, Louis, Luzelle, Leonard, and Nathaniel Ford as well as sister, Dorothy Ford Samuels.

To cherish his precious memories are his children, Miriam Ford Renkawitz (John), Timothy Ford (Heather), and Tonya Ford Pettigrew; grandchildren, Leah Ford, Dakota Green, Lance Ford, Imani Green, Grant Pettigrew, Luke Pettigrew, Ava Pettigrew; one great-grandchild, Aaliyah Rose Ford. He was married to the mother of his children, Mary J. Ford for many years. Thomas is survived by his sister, Erma Ford Ellis, Olustee, Florida; sisters-in-law, Mattie Ford, Sharon Ford, Janie Donaldson, Brenda Brown, Virginia Larkins, Margaret Shipman (Jerome); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Celebration of Life service for Thomas James Ford, Jr. will be 11:00AM Saturday, June 22, 2024, at The Soutel Chapel.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery 12:30PM Monday, June 24, 2024.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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