Billy Jay Ford

Billy Jay Ford, age 69, of Vidor, TX, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He was born on December 11, 1953, in Cheverly, Maryland, to Gloria Ford.

What you saw is what you got when it came to Billy “Wild Bill” Ford; once he made up his mind on something, there was no changing it. One would not have to guess what he thought about something, he said it, and was just one of those “matter of fact” type of people. You also did not have to wonder what he loved, whether it was living his life vicariously through one of his books, or going fishing, eating his favorite foods, or spending time time at the beach in Destin with his family every year; Billy loved life and he loved spending it with those he loved. Often the “life of the party” he knew how to have a good time, and could put a smile on anyone’s face with his witty banter and funny personality. 

Billy shared his favorite things with his family, it was his way of showing them that he deeply loved them. So, impromptu Neches River fishing trips with nothing but a cane pole; enjoying favorite foods like fried fish, stuffed bell peppers, crawfish, gumbo or NayNay’s crab dip; having a cold Bud Light or sweet tea while listening to some country favorites or “Love Shack” by the  B-52’s; or a chill evening watching “Tombstone” were all ways that “PawPaw” showed the kids and grandkids that they were special. With the Christmas holidays coming up those he loved will think of him often and miss him as they watch a couple of his all time favorites “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story”.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Chrystal Covington and husband Scott, Diana Sauter and wife Kristen, Shannon Parish and husband Derek, and Randi Weathers and husband Daniel; brother, Michael Ford and wife Doreen; sisters, Robin Campbell and husband John, Mimi Gray and husband Billy, and Stormy Ford; grandchildren, Hope Covington, Christian Covington, Grace Covington, Samuel Covington, Taya Confer, Tristan Polvadore, Taylor Ford, Alex Parish, Brody Parish, Everlee Weathers, and Brooks Weathers; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding Billy in death are his mother, and his sister Karen Bupera.

Cremation has been entrusted to Lumberton Family Funeral Home.

A life honoring memorial service will be held at the home of Shannon and Derek Parish Saturday 12/09/2023.

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