Mr. Larry Langston Ford

FORD, Mr. Larry Langston - Age 74, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at his residence. Public viewing 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2016 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. Mr. Ford will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home. Mr. Larry Langston Ford was an uncomplicated man with simple tastes, who thoroughly enjoyed life’s down-to-earth joys and pleasures. A knowledgeable and worldly person, he traveled throughout the United States and to many countries around the world. He was preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Willie Ford, Sr., two brothers Brady Ford and Archie Ford. Mr. Ford, as he was affectionately known, was not afraid of “hard work” as evidenced by the countless hours he spent laboring and taking care of plants in his organic garden. The fruits of his hard work and labor were the splendid vegetables he grew, which he took great delight in giving to neighbors and friends throughout his neighborhood and around Flint. By sharing his vegetables with others, he established friendships with individuals throughout the community. Such was his organic gardening skills that the Flint Journal Newspaper wrote an article on the success of his urban farming, included a photo of him in the garden. It was his “green thumb” and generosity that made him a beloved and respected person throughout his neighborhood. In return, he truly enjoyed his many neighbors in the immediate area, making a positive difference in several of their lives. During his forty plus year career as a production assembler with General Motors Corporation, he maintained an excellent attendance record. His strong work ethic was the result of him laboring with his parents and siblings on their small farm, in his home town of Tyler, Texas, to support the family. While he often talked about moving back to Texas during his retirement years, Flint was his beloved home. Throughout his life in Flint, his “special brother” and long-time friend was Johnny McGhee. Adding to his social enjoyment was a group of close friends that Included: Robert “Littleman” Stephens, Odell Clark, and Fred Bashir. On days when the weather was good, they would sit outside with Mr. Ford near the garden and tell stories of all kind. This was coupled with them having “friendly debates” on various topics. In more recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed the company and companionship of his cherished pet dog affectionately named “Junior.” So beloved was “Junior” by Mr. Ford that he would often explain to others that he considered him a close member of his family. As such, he and “Junior” were constant companions throughout each day. A devoted sports fan, Mr. Ford enjoyed watching all types of sports, especially basketball, baseball, football and boxing. Many of his friends and acquaintances had similar interests in attending and watching these types of events. Wagering on the outcome of sporting competitions was a significant part of Mr. Ford’s leisure time. He was well known throughout Flint for wagering on sporting events and enjoying the “sporting life.” He was also known to be a stylish dresser, often wearing the latest men’s fashion of the time. Some might even say he was an impeccable dresser during times gone by. In addition, he liked automobiles of all type, always owning several different model cars, trucks and motorcycles at the same time. Of all his mechanical toys, in his early days, he enjoyed riding motorcycles on the open road. Also, Corvettes seemed to be one of his favorite automobiles. On a more personal basis, Mr. Ford was a loving and caring father of four children, Felicia Goines Coleman, Johnson City, TN; Lawrence Ford (Naima), Hampton, VA; Angela Smith, Flint,MI; and Ernisha Johnson, Flint, MI. Having provided for their personal development and economic well being, He was both pleased and proud of their growth and development into successful, caring and capable adults. He periodically shared this sentiment with others and spoke in a loving and caring manner about them. He was also a proud grandfather of four: Kameshia & Brendan Coleman; and Langston & Laila Ford. While he was not a man to easily show emotion, he loved all of his children and grandchildren dearly, often speaking highly of them. He also leaves to mourn his passing nine siblings, including: Annie Ford Thomas, Tyler, TX; Birdina Ford Todd, Los Angeles, CA; Eula Ford, Dallas, TX; Ralph Ford (Ruby), Tyler, TX; Lois Ford Brown (Marshall), Prairie View, TX; Barbara A. Ford, Houston TX; Gloria Ford Gray (James), Garland, TX; Willie Coy Ford, Jr. (Joyce), Tyler, TX; and, Jacqueline Ford, Tyler, TX. His passing is also mourned by many friends and acquaintances throughout Flint, Michigan.

Mr. Larry Langston Ford

November 19, 1941 - January 26, 2016