More detail on this person: Graveside services for Mr. Wayne Ford, age 90, of Plain Dealing LA, will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Plain Dealing Cemetery, Plain Dealing LA, with Rev. Miles Holiday officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Plain Dealing. Mr. Ford was born Oct 16, 1933 to Wayne Hinson and Georgia Lou Bass Ford in Rocky Mount, LA and passed away Friday, April 26, 2024 in Bossier City LA. The remains of the house he was born in still sit in the pasture of the farm he lived on that has been passed down through his family for generations. He left that farm to attend Northeast University and later attended LSU to study petroleum engineering, but his love of country and flying led him to the Marine Corps where he served 25 years as an officer and helicopter pilot. During that time he completed 2 separate tours in Vietnam where he was awarded 52 air medals for completing over 1000 combat missions providing helicopter transport and medical evacuations. Upon his return from Vietnam he was appointed to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron HMX-1 in Quantico, VA as a command pilot where he served 6 years flying Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter along with many international dignitaries. Following his military career he was employed by Air Logistics In South Louisiana as a helicopter transport pilot, carrying men and supplies to offshore oil rigs in the gulf. He ultimately became a base commander and formed bonds with the men he worked with that lasted long into retirement. For many years after he left Air Logistics these long lasting friends would gather for the Annual "Shootout" at the farm in Plain Dealing. He met his beautiful wife, Dolores, of 36 years in college at Northeast University in Monroe, LA where they soon married and had 3 children. She proudly, lovingly and bravely supported him throughout his military career and was by his side until her death. After many years of being a widow, he formed a great friendship with Lois Luce that grew into a loving marriage. They enjoyed gardening on the farm, fishing, hunting, family, and traveling for many years together. He is survived by his wife, Lois Ford of Plain Dealing; daughter Brenda Ford and spouse, Cecile De Rocher of Dalton, GA; sons, Wayne H Ford, III and wife, Kim of Kingwood, TX and Mike Ford and wife, Linda of Nashville TN. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Ben, Hinson, Sarah, Michael, Mallory, Keegan and John; and 5 great grandchildren who all lovingly refer to him as "Big Daddy". He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Ford Nelson and husband, Ray of Benton, LA. Mr. Ford was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Dolores Ford.
Burial information: Plain Dealing Cemetery
This information was last updated 06/11/2024
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association