Willie M. Ford Jr., 72, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Wheeling Hospital
He was born September 10, 1949 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, a son of the late Willie M. Ford Sr. and Elizabeth Terry Ford.
Willie was a 1967 graduate of Bellaire High School. He went on to pursue a career as a coal miner for the former Shoemaker Consol Mine where he worked until his retirement. As a young man, he enjoyed weightlifting, arm wrestling and playing flag football with the Bellaire Outlaws.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Ann Spencer Ford in June of 2020, three siblings; Belitia, D’M, and Flavious Ford.
Surviving are his children, Myla Ford, Roman Ford, Chrisetta Olson, Kenley Ford and Kara Ford, Siblings; Stephen, Tanara (Toni), Francesca, Quinn, Levin, Ozend, Terry, Vashit, and Ritheen, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 441 37th Street Bellaire, OH
Ciardelli Tim posted on 1/9/22
Willie Ford a Wonderful person, we graduated in ‘67, stayed in contact every week at the post office. He was very proud of his family and very satisfied of how his life turned out. He was a man with a smile. Keep Smiling. Your friend Tim
Curtis Feller posted on 12/24/21
One of my favorite people in Bellaire RIP my Brother
Nancy M Veres (Senyk) posted on 12/19/21
Sympathy to Willie's Family. We grew up together and first met in first grade. Stayed friends and always talked about the old memories of growing up. He was always happy to see and talk to all his friends. He was a special person.
Norman Cooper posted on 12/18/21
Worked with Willie at Shoemaker Mine. He was always a good friend. Will be sadly missed.
Jeanie Reed posted on 12/17/21
Willie, you were such a good inspiring man and will be deeply missed by so many. What a loss to all who loved him. He loved his family and always talk of his grandkids. What a sweet soul. R. I. P. Willie
Jo Ann Balwanz Dietrich posted on 12/17/21
I am so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. We started first grade together and we’re forever friends. My sympathy to his family.
Rich & Shari Hamilka posted on 12/16/21
My sincere condolences. Willie was a great guy. Who made his rounds he will be truly missed.
James e Riley posted on 12/16/21
RIP my friend
Lance E Clifford (Lanny) posted on 12/16/21
Shock and sadness. Willie was a high school classmate that always had a smile to share with everyone. We always enjoyed talking and “catching up” at class reunions. I will sincerely miss my long time friend. Prayers for Willie’s family. We lost a good human being. Rest In Peace Willie.
Mrs. Ray Green, Jr. & her daughter, Cassandra. posted on 12/16/21
Mother & I were shocked to read in the paper of Willie’s passing. We enjoyed talking with him in the stores & post office. He talked quite a bit about his family. He will definitely be missed by so many. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Gary Ponzani posted on 12/16/21
So sorry to hear this Will was a good friend of mine
MICHELLE posted on 12/15/21
TO THE FORD FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS... R.I.P. BILLY THE CATLING FAMILY, FORMERLY OF STEWARTSVILLE
Louann and Jeffrey Hill posted on 12/15/21
Worked with Willie at Shoemaker for many years. Rest in Peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
George Miller posted on 12/15/21
I was shocked to hear about Willie. I just talked with him not too long ago. We worked together for many years @Shoemaker mine. Willie was a hard worker and he could make a bad day into an enjoyable day. He always talked about his family so much that I feel like I was part of his family. I know that he was proud of his new home and his collection of shot glasses. It's hard to express my feelings for Willie but I loved him like a brother. Rest in peace my friend. Peace and comfort to the Ford family.
John Dougherty posted on 12/15/21
So sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. Willie and I worked together at Shoemaker Mine. He was a kind, gentle man.
Laurie darrah posted on 12/15/21
Most kind man I have ever meant..Thoughys and prayers you surely will be missed
Laurie darrah posted on 12/15/21
Thoughts and prayers..willie was an amazing man. We always talked about the kids and grandkids.an all out heart felt man that I will always have the upmost respect for
HELEN KOZAK posted on 12/15/21
So sorry to hear of Billie's passing. We grew up together in Stewartsville and always shared those memories when we met over the years. RIP and I'm sure there are many family and friends waiting to welcome you home.
Bob Fialkowski posted on 12/15/21
Kenley and Kara,My prayers are with you during this time of grief.Memories are long lasting.
Esther Kalinowski posted on 12/15/21
I remember Mr. Ford and his wife when their daughter Mayla was in my Girl Scout troop. He always spoke when out and about. Very nice family.
Esther Kalinowski posted on 12/15/21
I remember Mr. Ford and his wife when their daughter Mayla was in my Girl Scout troop. He always spoke when he was out and about. Very nice family.
Bill Forsch posted on 12/14/21
Willie and me both worked at Shoemaker Mine, we spent a lot hours on the job over the years.I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Bill Forsch
Bob Sall posted on 12/14/21
You were a good man, Willie Ford! You have surely earned your place in heaven! Rest in peace, my friend!
Sharon Klempa posted on 12/14/21
Willie was always friendly and good man. His son Kenly granduated with my oldest son and Kara graduated with my daughter. In these last few years our paths crossed at track meets watching our grandkids. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Chuck Porter posted on 12/14/21
RIP Willie, Deepest sympathy to Willie’s family. Met in the 80’s At Mikes gym in Bellaire. Great guy Always in a good mood. Class Act the way he treated everyone..
Francheska Passwaters posted on 12/14/21
Rest In Peace my big brother .
Randy Marple posted on 12/14/21
What a heart brake to find Willie has left us. I first met Willie down at Mikes gym back in the late 70s. He always pushed me to get stronger and man he was riot to talk to. So full of life and joy. His smile always brightened up the place and his training was always inspiring to us younger guys. We will miss you Willie...very much
Mike&Janet Balwanz posted on 12/14/21
to the Ford family we are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good friend to me and my family.He will truly be missed. God Bless to all your family
Barbara Roman posted on 12/14/21
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Willie’s passing. He was a good man. We worded out at the gym together and remained friends ever since. May he Rest In Peace.
Patrick Ney posted on 12/14/21
Condolences to the Ford family. Willie was as good as they come, always smiling and full of life.
Michael A. Clark posted on 12/14/21
My thoughts and prayers are to the Ford family. No words can express the loss of Willie to this world. I’m so grateful for the talks we shared together through out the years. One of the most humble persons I’ve known in my lifetime. We all should take a page from the life of Willie, we’d all be a better person. I will miss you my dear friend but I know you’re in heaven watching over us all. RIP Willie
Nancy Piatt posted on 12/14/21
Condolences to the Ford family Willie was a very nice man.
DONNA MEAGER posted on 12/14/21
Willie your good friend Bob Meager has been waiting for you in Heaven. I know Bob couldn’t wait to see you year after year at the Meager Reunion. It was like watching two 10 year olds carry on and share memories every year. You were on of Bob’s dearest friends. Condolences to your family and friends. Heaven has gained yet another wonderful person.
Mike Meintel posted on 12/14/21
Willie was a good man and will be truly missed. RIP my friend.
Sandy Trigg Marling posted on 12/14/21
Willie was one special person...I knew him since attending Bellaire High School; he was a great athlete and had a kind heart and always happy...RIP
Doug Weber posted on 12/14/21
My condolences Roman and family your dad was a good man!
Colleen (Conroy) Berardi posted on 12/14/21
There are no words to express my sadness in the loss of my good friend. We shared soo many memories of our families & times on Rose Hill. May you Rest in Paradise again with Janet. May ur family find comfort of the memories of you in their hearts. You will b missed, Willie⚘
Nancy and Brett Merryman posted on 12/14/21
Prayers to the familyWillie was always happy and friendly to everyone. A dear man, husband, and father. Willie will be missed by many. Peace to you, Willie
Terri littleton posted on 12/14/21
I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you all if you need anything I am a phone call away
Beverly Strain posted on 12/14/21
WILLIE . MANY YEARS Of growing uo together .
Beverly Strain posted on 12/14/21
RiP
Chad Balwanz posted on 12/14/21
I grew up in Stewartsville and Willie has been a great friend, I considered him family. Willie, Stephen, Bob, Mike and Chad Balwanz were always together. We played (very rough) back yard football, often challenging other local communities to a football game. Willie was tough as nails and there was no better friend. May God bless and comfort the great Ford family. You will sorely missed my friend! With much love and respect. Chad Balwanz and family
Terriann Bonfini posted on 12/14/21
You have my sincere sympathy. I met and spoke with son Willie at Whitesides recently. Such a nice guy, just like his father. RIP, Willie
Jeanne & Al Renshaw posted on 12/13/21
Sorry to hear about Wiiie. Prayers for all, at this time.
Sue Penyak Bumgardner posted on 12/13/21
So sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. He will be missed at the class of 67 get togethers. He seemed to enjoy it when it was at Gulla’s. Prayers for his family.
Judith Ann Balwanz posted on 12/13/21
RIP Bill. You were a huge part of our family growing up...so many memories of Kings Bridge swimming hole. Living thoughts and prayers for the Ford family.
Vincent And Sheila Amos posted on 12/13/21
Willie, Sheila and I will miss you. Bellaire will be missing one of the good guys. Many prayers to the family.
Vincent Amos posted on 12/13/21
WOW, So hated to hear this. Willie was such a great guy and friend. I will miss seeing him and his visits to our class of 1967 gatherings. Many, Many prayers for the family. Bellaire, will definately miss Willie.
The fact Bauknecht-Altmeyers has taken care of so many family members. They truly treat you like family.
Eugene Badia posted on 1/27/22
Your Dad and I were very good friends in school and remained close forever. Regrettably we were unable to keep as close in the later years because of work but I know we always thought about each other. take care and stay in touch always.