DELGAR S. FORD

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Delgar Sylvester Ford was born on Jan. 3, 1945, in Sumter County, a son of the late Delgar Ford Jr. and Mrs. Edna Brunson Ford. He departed this life on Friday evening, July 13, 2018, at his home.

Mr. Ford attended the public schools of Sumter County. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, until his health failed and he could no longer attend. He joined the armed forces on Oct. 15, 1967, as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. During his tenure as a Marine, he was deployed in support of the Vietnam War and he was a recipient of the Purple Heart. For his valor and commitment to serving his country, he also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with 1 star, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Meritorious Mast for his honorable service. After his military duty, he became a civil service employee as an automotive mechanic for 37 years at Shaw Air Force Base. He was also known as the "Community Mechanic."

Sylvester leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mary Ann Ford of the home; seven children, Terry Ford of Miami, Charlene Ford and Darrell (Shaneca) Ford, both of Sumter, Caresta Jones of Charleston, Yasmeen Stuckey of the home, and Jimmy Davis and Johnny Abrams, both of Atlanta; 29 grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley F. (Walter Davis) Brown of Sumter and Diane F. Gardner of Charlotte; one brother, Jeremiah (Geneva) Ford of Sumter; one aunt, Shuril P. Ford of Sumter; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his father and mother; one son, Kenneth Ford of Miami; two brothers, Edward and Joseph Ford; and other relatives.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Ford will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 805 S. Harvin St., Sumter, with Pastor Marion H. Newton officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home, 850 S. Harvin St., Sumter.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.