Rev. Dr. J. L. Ford

Rev. Dr. J. L. "Pete" Ford, 85, of Nashville, passed away on March 11, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 20, 1928 in Columbus, Kentucky, he received degrees from Union University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Middle Tennessee State University, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He held student pastorates in Missouri and Mississippi. Following seminary, he began his life-long ministry in Tennessee, holding pastorates at Englewood Baptist Church (Jackson), First Baptist Church (Woodbury), and Eastland Baptist Church (Nashville), where he served for 22 years. In 1987, he assumed leadership of Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes, a Christian ministry providing residential and program services to senior adults and developmentally disabled adults. A gifted pastor, teacher, and mentor, Pete's gentle demeanor and humble spirit endeared him to all whom he encountered. In addition to his gifts of ministry, he mastered the craft of woodworking, constructing furniture, clocks, and other handiworks that he generously gifted to family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lowell Franklin Ford and May Allen Ford; sisters Marcelle Ford Holmes and Dean Ford Walker; and brother Harold Allen Ford. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Gentry Ford and their children, Dr. Brian Ford (Lisa) and Martha Ford Robinson (Bob). His legacy includes his grandchildren, Valerie Ford Bowman (Matt), Andy Ford (Kelsey), Ellen Robinson Price (Geoff), Bradley Robinson (Francesca), Elizabeth Robinson, and Grant Robinson, and his great-grandchildren, Julia and Audrey Bowman and Mary Peyton Price.

A Celebration of Dr. Ford's life will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014, at two o'clock in the afternoon at Woodmont Baptist Church, Nashville, with Gerald Stow officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, March 14 from five o'clock until eight o'clock at the church.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, Nashville, TN.