Michael Russ Ford
68, Columbia
A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Hathorn Funeral Home for Mr. Russ Ford, 68, of Columbia, who died on July 3, on his farm.
Russ, as known to his family and friends, was a lifelong member of Spring Cottage Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was also a Gideon. An avid hunter and fisherman, Russ’ passion for providing wildlife habitats and protecting the natural resources of Ford’s River Farm was what he worked on every day of his life. Russ was prominent in the Marion County Forestry industry and was a Charter Member of the Marion County Forestry Association. Because of his exceptional stewardship, he was selected as Marion County Tree Farmer of the Year numerous times and earned the 2010 Mississippi State Tree Farmer of the Year. In 2011, he was awarded the title of National Winner of his region. Russ served as Deputy Commissioner of the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District for 17 years and was a former Marion County Farm Service Agency Committee Member.
For many years, Russ and Barbara enjoyed fifth wheel camping and meeting new friends at Florida beaches and at parks around the country. Family played a very big role in Russ’ life and those that knew him, certainly knew of his love of good food. Favorite memories are those gatherings of multiple generations of family centered around a large home-cooked meal followed by card games and laughter late into the night.
Quick to assist, Russ had a heart for providing for those who needed a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Queenie Ford and sister, Billie Ford of Biloxi.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Pittman Ford; son, Will Ford (Tim) of New Orleans; daughter, Christi Robertson Bedwell (Joey); grandson, Owen of Newnan, Ga.; sisters, Ernestine May of Columbia, Pauline Sinopoli of Biloxi and Patsy Wicks of Garland, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
