Edwin Ebby Royce Ford Jr.

On February 14, 2017, at the age of 70 and surrounded by his loving family, Edwin Royce Ford, Jr. concluded this life's physical journey, to be reborn in the house of the Lord. A beloved Husband, Brother, Daddy, Grandfather, Uncle and affectionately known as "Ebby," he has touched more lives than most. Ebby was a native of Vidalia, LA and a resident of Marksville, LA. After attending Vidalia Elementary School, he graduated from Cathedral High School, Natchez, MS, in 1964. Ebby was a deeply spiritual man. Early in life, he studied to become a priest, but later found he was called to build his legacy through family. With his first wife, Ruth, Ebby brought seven, loving children into the world. Then, Ebby enjoyed his last 28 years wedded to the love of his life and his spiritual companion, Sharlene. Together with his wife Sharlene, Ebby traveled the country, enjoyed fast cars and burned plenty of rubber on his many immaculately- maintained motorcycles. Ebby built his career helping others. He retired from the State of LA as a Substance Abuse Counselor and also provided counseling as a Deputy Sherriff for Avoyelles Parish. After retirement, Ebby continued serving the community by opening his own business, Ed Ford Counseling, LLC, where he helped thousands get their lives back on track using his motto, "There is no need to suffer." Ebby is survived by his devoted and adored wife, Sharlene Gauthier Ford of Marksville, LA, eight beloved children, Bobbie Collins (Rosevelt) of Monroe, LA, Pearl M. Carr (Kevin, II) of Monterey, LA, Michael E. Ford (Erin) of Cottontown, TN, Joseph M. Ford , Elizabeth M. Pecanty (Shaun) and Mary R. Billiot (Davidson, Jr.) all of Acme, LA, Patrick R. Ford (Greg) of Baton Rouge, LA and Keith O. Ford (Shelley) of Breaux Bridge, LA, a brother, Danny K. Ford (Gwendolyn) of New Orleans, LA, a sister, Cindy F. Magruder (Marty) of Baton Rouge, LA, former wife, Ruth Mott, 24 beautiful grandchildren, a great-grandchild, two nephews, his oldest and dearest friend, Grady Cole, numerous extended family members and many loyal friends and thankful clients. Ebby is preceeded in death by his parents, Pearl Porter and Edwin Royce Ford, Sr., his youngest brother, John Keith Ford and great-grandson, Stephen. Visitation to be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, Feb. 20th from 4pm – 8pm. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonport, LA on Tuesday, Feb. 21st at 1pm. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cottonport, LA. Funeral Services will be conducted by Greenoaks Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Cottonport Bank, P.O. Box 5, Marksville LA 71351, in the name of Mrs. Edwin Ford, Jr. Ebby's accepting and compassionate nature will live on through all those who were blessed to know him. He will be missed greatly and remembered always. To offer condolences or to view the family's photo tribute, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com/greenoaks-funeral-home.