Marvin Ford's Obituary
Marvin Ford, age 91, of Collierville, TN, finished his earthly journey on January 12, 2025, in Collierville, TN. He was born October 14, 1933, along with his twin brother, Melvin, in Oakland, MS. Marvin was the son of the late Roy Patton and Mavourleen Badley Ford. After graduating from Oakland High School, he attended Wood Junior College. He immediately secured a job with the Self family, a multi-agricultural business in Marks, MS.
In September, 1963, he met Virginia Dare Colvett in Memphis, TN, on a blind date. That blind date was the beginning of a strong, loving relationship with their marriage on April 18, 1964, lasting 57 wonderful years. They made their home in Memphis, TN, where Virginia was employed at WREG-TV. At that time Marvin began studies in Advanced Traffic Management, thereby beginning an extensive career in the cotton industry. He worked for the notable Memphis companies of Cook & Co. and Dunavant Enterprises for a total of 18 years. At that time, he became a partner in a truck brokerage company, transporting baled cotton to ports for export and to many domestic mills.
Upon his retirement in 1992, he and Virginia became world travelers. Some of their greatest trips were in Asia, with China being their favorite country. Not only did they make many wonderful memories, but were able to collect statues, dishes, paintings, and other items from their many trips abroad that filled their beautiful home. Many friends and family shared in their love for travel by accompanying them on their trips. Oh, what stories and memories they have shared with those closest to them.
Marvin and Virginia were very active members of Collierville United Methodist Church, where they served on many committees as well as delegates to Annual Conferences. They sang in choirs together for over 50 years. Their faith walk has been a testimony to lives well lived and an inspiration to many. It was never just Marvin or just Virginia. It was always “Marvin and Virginia”, a partnership like no other as they reached out together to meet needs as they saw them. No one ever had to ask for help! They saw the need and moved to help in any way possible, from Marvin’s fabulous potato salad and Virginia’s delicious pies to generously supporting various monetary needs of the church and others. Together they have touched so many lives and have loved us all well!
Following Virginia’s death, Marvin became a founding associate member of the new First Methodist Church Collierville, where he was an active evangelist, always looking for a new face to greet and making them feel welcome.
Preceded in death in addition to Virginia Dare were his parents and brothers John Badley Ford, Charles William Ford, Roy Harold Ford, James David Ford, Raymond Patton Ford and twin brother, Melvin, who was a daily part of his life for 87 years.
A Funeral Service will be held on January 19, 2025, at Collierville United Methodist Church, 454 West Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017, beginning with a visitation at 1:00 p.m., and the service and brief committal service to follow at 2:00 p.m. An entombment will be conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Methodist Church Collierville, P O Box 875, Collierville, TN 38027-0875, designated to the Building Fund, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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