George Clayton "Clay" Ford III

George Clayton (Clay) Ford, III was born in Blytheville AR on June 14, 1947 to George Clayton Ford II and Nell Dickerson Ford. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he sang in the youth choir as a teenager. He loved music and enjoyed singing even as an adult. After graduating from Blytheville High School, he attended the University of Arkansas.

Like his father, who was sheriff of Mississippi County for many years, Clay was also a police officer in Blytheville and in Michigan. He was a "sports" lover and he especially liked football. He was a great fan of the Razorbacks.

Clay loved to barbeque, and he was terrific at it. He often catered events for churches and civic club fundraisers. He did it all: ribs, butts, chicken, etc. He enjoyed cooking and being in the food business. He was general manager of Zaxby's Restaurant for approximately eight years.

He was a great storm watcher and always alerted his friends so that they could be prepared for whatever was heading their way!

The hobby that gave him the greatest pleasure, though, was fishing. He was a big fisherman - for all kinds of fish. He loved going to his fishing cabin at Water Valley, Mississippi and fish, fish, fish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nell ford, a son, George Clayton Ford, IV, and a brother, Eugene Ford.

He is survived by his life partner, Ann Judd of Blytheville;
His daughter, Michelle Ford Michaels (and Jeff) of Grand Blanc, Michigan;
A sister, Penny Lomand (and Rookie) of Lafayette, Louisiana;
Two grandchildren: Jacob Michaels and Abbey Michaels of Grand Blanc, Michigan;
An uncle, Tommy Woods of Byhalia, Mississippi;
cousins: Pat Woods, Prentice Woods and Ray Woods of Byhalia, Mississippi;
A sister-in-law, Debra Ford of Armorel, AR;
a niece, Jessica Eldridge (and Ed) of Armorel, AR;
a great-niece, Sabrina Eldridge:
two great-nephews: Edd (Bubby) and Harris Eldridge, of Armorel, AR;
and a host of friends that meant a lot to him.

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Friday, August 11, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Carney Funeral Home 1501 Byrum Road Blytheville, Arkansas 72316

Friday, August 11, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Carney Funeral Home 1501 Byrum Road Blytheville, Arkansas 72316

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