Robert William Ford

Robert William Ford Jr. "Uncle Bobby," passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023, at his home in Kingsport, TN.
Specialist Robert William Ford Jr. was an exceptional soldier serving both in the United States Army Reserve and Army National Guard. he served in his position as a Combat Engineer in the Army Reserves from January 1994 to October 1995 and in the National Guard from January 2007 to July 2012.
During his time with the United States Army Reserve, he served honorably, and through his actions, he was awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with an "M" Device for Meritorious. In 2007 he served in Charlie Company 206th Engineering Battalion with the United States Army National Guard, where he received several Accommodations for his bravery and valor. He deployed to Afghanistan from May 16th, 2008, to February 26th, 2009, in support of Task Force Workhorse, where he served as a gunner for his platoon. During his deployment, his platoon came under attack with Rocket Propelled Grenade attacks, IEDs, and Mortar Fire. Because of his decisiveness to act and his ability to quickly employ his weapon systems, he was able to protect his fellow soldiers, repel the enemy and protect all elements in his convoy. Due to his actions, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, and upon his return safely, Speaker of the House Gregory D. Stumbo bestowed him with a challenge coin for keeping supply routes open and clearing more than 14,000 pieces of unexploded ordinances. His Selfless Service, Loyalty, and sense of Duty will forever be immortalized in his service to the United States Army.
Soon after Roberts returned from Afghanistan, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 5th, 2009, to July 2nd, 2010, serving with the 2113th Transportation Company as a gunner. Private First Class Robert Ford, keeping to his values, exhibited an unfathomable spirit and always stayed vigilant and on guard. He maintained a strong sense of his surroundings and safety for other soldiers. His fellow soldiers referred to him as one of the best gunners in the company, and he is a true example of what every gunner should be. As a gunner, his platoon trusted him with their lives, and he always proved to be true and honorable. Through his actions, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and an Iraq Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star.
He served in the Army National Guard until January 5th, 2012, when he was honorably discharged. Having served in multiple combat tours, Private First Class Robert W. Ford served his country with dignity and respect. His love and devotion to protecting his fellow soldiers, putting his own life at risk, is the essence of what every soldier strives for. Private Ford encompassed the Army's core values; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage; in keeping with the finest traditions of the military, his service significantly brings credit upon himself, his family, his community, and the United States Army.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Ford Sr. and Ada Davis Ford McMurray; brother, Glen France; sister, Sue France.
Left to cherish his memories is his three sisters, Brendlyn Larkin of Kingsport, TN, Sandra Floyd of Kingsport, TN, and Judy Gallagher of Maryville, TN; daughter, Graycen Byington "Ford" of Kingsport, TN; three special nieces, Savannah Ison of Medford, OR., Sierah France of Bristol, VA., Melinda Parsons-Riner of Kingsport, TN; great-nephews, Nehemiah Tyree, Noah Tyree, and Malachi Ison; great-niece, Nova Ison; many more nieces and nephews.
Special Thanks to his Army Family Brotherhood of "76 Ford Ranger". The eulogy is to be given by his Platoon Leader, Bazie Dulen. His Army Brother's, Jason Luckenbaugh, Curtis Lee, Brad Kline, Zachariah Froschauer, Brandon Patton, Bob Napier, Cooper Gibson, and Sean DeVore.
Services will be held at Mountain Home National Cemetery on Friday, February 10th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Family and Friends are welcome to visit at his sister Brendlyn's home following the Memorial Service.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Ford family.