Donald R. Ford, Sr.

Donald R. Ford, Sr., age 70, of Hot Springs, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021. He was born on December 28, 1950, in Galveston, Texas, the son of Robert Henry Ford and Polly Ann Garrett Ford. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Donald Ray Ford, Jr.; six brothers, Jimmy Ford, Robert Ford, Thomas Ford, Hubert Ford, Bobby Ford and Harvey Ford; and two sisters, Georgia Diggs and Catherine Carr. Donald was a Christian in his faith and a member of Harvey’s Chapel Baptist Church. He is a United States Marine veteran and worked as a saw filer for Weyerhaeuser. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and loved the outdoors. He was a faithful man of God who loved his family and friends. Don was a man that would help anyone at anytime without hesitation. He never met a stranger that didn’t turn into a friend. Don was a staunch supporter of the military especially his beloved Marines. “Semper Fi Marine, your duty is done”. Donald is survived by his son, Joseph R. Ford of Raleigh, North Carolina; his daughter, Regina Melancin of Hot Springs; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren; best friend of 42 years, and mother of Joseph Ford, Debi Smith of Hot Springs; his brother, Bill Ford of Hot Springs; his sister, Connie Price of Hot Springs; and a host of wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 2:00 PM, with Bro. Joe Thompson officiating in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs. Military honors will be preformed by the United States Marine Corp. Private burial will be in the Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery, North Little Rock. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.