Thomas Linwood Ford, Jr.

Thomas Linwood Ford, Jr., age 72, left this world on April 8, 2020 in Midlothian, Virginia. Lin was born in Richmond, Virginia on December 29,1947. He is survived by his loving companion, Mirilyn "Millie" Millar Ford (Midlothian, Virginia); two children: Brett Ford (Ormond Beach, Florida), loving son and Robin Keller (Munich, Germany), loving daughter; two loving step-children: Pete Millar (Midlothian, Virginia) and Lydia Millar (Midlothian, Virginia); two loved grandchildren: Sander and Sienna Keller (Munich, Germany) and a sister, Hariette Padgett and her children, Catherine & Vaden Padgett (Richmond, Virginia). He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Linwood Ford and Arlene Parsley.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Lin’s life could be described as bon vivant and a man of the sea.

He cherished his time with friends from a young age. He remembered fondly the good ol’ days of high school, playing football, listening to beach music with friends, and the drive-in theatre.

He proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps.

He loved being on the water, fishing and sport fishing with friends and family. One of his dreams was realized when he purchased a commercial fishing boat named the “Reelin”, which fished out of Oregon Inlet in the Outer Banks. Lin had a deep love for his sports and could win a game sports trivia against the very best of them. He loved his food and was a great cook who did things the right way in the kitchen and on a grill. No short cuts when it comes to good food.

He was a cherished friend to many. To know him was to love him. He appreciated good company, good conversation, and a good debate. He did not sugar-coat things and was often quite direct. However, albeit his tough outer shell, he had a warm, sentimental heart.

He was taken too soon from us who knew and loved him. We will miss his serious looks to only be melted down by a good tune from the Drifters, a chopper ride with his dearly beloved son, a tasty meal with love of his life Millie and family, or a FaceTime call with his grandchildren. Lin would say that he was a better man when he met and married Millie , 30+ years ago. She brought so much joy to his life and helped him realize the value of family, which he loved dearly.

Lin’s favorite poem was “IF” by Rudyard Kipling.

If—

Rudyard Kipling - 1865-1936