George Washington Ford Jr.

On March 18, 2025, God in his infinite wisdom called George Washington Ford, Jr. (G.W.) from labor to reward at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia. Born on March 15, 1965, George was the beloved son to the late Sarah Booker Ford and George Washington Ford, Sr. At an early age George joined White Rock Baptist Church and was a member until his early adult years.

In addition to his parents, GW was preceded in death by his Father-in-law, David Nathaniel Moody, Mother-in-Law, Shirley Mae Moody, Sister-in-Law, Jonnay “Penny” Moody-Brown. Aunts: Estelle Dillard, Gladys “Sur” Goode, Minnie “Snookie” Manley, Lorraine “Lo” Cobbs and Viola “Big Vi” McPherson. Uncles: Sam Ford, Jesse Ford, Herman Ford, James N. Booker, Arthur Booker and Oscar Booker (Godfather)

G.W., as George was affectionately called, was a 1983 graduate of Heritage High School in Lynchburg, Virginia. Following graduation G.W. moved to Arlington Virginia to attend Control Data Institute where he graduated with a certification in the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Program. After graduating from CDI, George stayed in Arlington, Virginia and began working in his field. As his career progressed, G.W. worked for several companies as a mechanical engineer which required him to relocate from Virginia to New Jersey to Pennsylvania and back to Virginia over time.

In the summer of 1985, G.W. met the love of his life, Rhonda Moody. G.W. and Rhonda became inseparable and have had a love that lasted 40 years.

G.W. was an avid Cowboys fans and always believed that they would make it to the Super Bowl each year. People often wondered how he and Rhonda coexisted during football season as she was a die hard “Dead Skin” fan as he called them. Rhonda would say, “Well I was already in love when I found out that he was a Cowboys’ fan and that she loved him flaws and all”.

Friendships were very important to G.W. He was a great guy and an even better friend. G.W. maintained his early childhood friendships into adulthood. He maintained constant contact with Anthony “Tony” Graves, Richard “Totsie” Stewart, Lorenzo “Lo” Hawkins, Whitney “Butch” Jones, Jody Saunders and Carl Dickerson for more than 50 years.

As a founding member of the Gaffter’s Golf Club, he formed friendships of more than 15 years with Carroll Peyton, Bobbie Peyton, Rodney Payton, Tim Moore, James Richardson, James Langford, Quan Bui, Bernard Sanders, Steve Smith, Tex Lloyd, Garcia Smith and Mike Paige as well as several other members. The Gaffter’s Golf Club, which has members throughout the United States, would get together at least twice a year for a few rounds of Golf and fun. In fact, Carroll Peyton, had just told G.W. that the guys were heading to Myrtle Beach for a few rounds of golf the week before his passing.

G.W. leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 28 years Rhonda Moody Ford, his sisters in -law Sharon Moody-Vollin and Leslie Moody. Brothers-in-laws John Vollin and Gifford Brown. Nieces: Nikia (Edmond) Brunache, Candace, Latoya (Dominique) Artist, Lauren (Gregory) Knight and Shantee Brown. Nephew and Godsons: Quentin Brown and David Moody. His aunts Rosa F. Taylor, Amanda B. Hunting (Godmother), Elizabeth “EV” Booker, Marguerite Booker and Mary Booker. His “Big Cousin” and 2nd father figure, Roscoe F. Goode and a host of loving cousins, great nieces and nephews.

We must also give a special mention to his “Farm Buddies” Shawn Simmons and George “Bunchy” Dempsey. G.W. will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be conducted Friday, March 28, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg Chapel

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is serving the family.