Clay Ford, Jr

Clay Ford, Jr., U.S. Army, COL (Ret), 74, of Gulf Breeze, FL entered into the presence of the Lord, Monday, March 18, 2013. Clay was born September 24, 1938 in Wynne, AR to the late C.V. Ford, Sr. and Lavonne Glenn. He is survived by a large family: his wife, Carol Ann DeBusk Ford; his three sons, David (Melissa) of Springfield, IL, Doug (Kathryn) of Conway, AR, and Clay (Brittany) of Gulf Breeze, FL; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and mother-in-law Carolyn DeBusk. He is also survived by brothers Jerry Ford, Robert Harmon, Randy Harmon, sister Sharon Matte and stepfather David Shelby. Clay was preceded in death by his brother, Don Ford and his parents. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in a number of assignments ranging from Germany to the Pentagon retiring as a full Colonel. During his military career, Clay set an NRA national record during high power rifle competition. Clay was an active member of Gulf Breeze Methodist Church, a member of the Gulf Breeze City council for 16 years and mayor Pro Tem, and past President of the Florida League of Cities. He was a private pilot, a Pi Kappa Alpha, a life member of the NRA, and a member of the Rotary Club. Clay was an outstanding attorney and a member of both the Arkansas and Florida bars. In the 70s, Clay was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. Since February 2007, he has served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. A graveside service will be held in Little Rock, AR. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

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