Robert D. "Bob" Ford of Hampton went home to be with his Heavenly Father Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Sentara Careplex Hospital after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Bob was born in Patterson, NC, the son of Lloyd D. and Vaida Watson Ford. He later met and married the love of his life, Carolyn L. Reynolds on April 7, 1961. The couple later had two children, Patricia Annette and Robert Dale.

He attended a boarding school in post war Germany where he lettered in 6 man football, baseball, basketball and track. Bob also sang in a boys' choir that traveled to other European countries. After returning to the states he attended Hampton High School and was a proud member of the class of 1958.

Bob worked for and retired from Northrop Grumman Shipyard while working his way up to Master Mechanic Shipbuilder for over 44 years.

Bob enjoyed many activities such as camping and woodworking. Bob coached little league baseball in Phoebus and little league football in Fox Hill. He was a scout leader in Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts and was the only male chaperone for his daughters girl scouts troop on a trip to Disney World and Sea World in Florida and Savannah, GA.

A born again Christian, Bob was a member of Pine Chapel Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. Prior to that, he was an ordained Deacon and Elder at Hampton Christian Church and served in a variety of other positions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Lester Gupton.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn; two children, Patricia and Robert; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Charles "Chuck" and his wife Judy; and a sister, Juanita "Nita" Gupton.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Pine Chapel Baptist Church, 1544 Queen St, Hampton with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 10-11 am.

Please make any memorial contributions to the Animal Aid Society of Hampton or the Alzheimer's Association.