CANTON — Debbie Idoine’s father, William (Bill) Ford Jr., 82, of Canton went to be with the Lord on Aug. 12, 2009, surrounded by his family.
He was born Nov. 28, 1926, in McKeesport, Pa., to William and Mary (Knight) Ford who gave him a strong foundation in the church. Bill was a high school athlete and played several sports. He served in both the Merchant Marines and in the Army. Bill spent most of his adult life and raised his family in Canton. For many years he enjoyed getting to know his customers at “Your Pizza Shop,” which he owned and operated in North Canton. He was a 50-year member of Church of the Savior United Methodist where he served as usher and treasurer and was a faithful member of United Methodist Men. Bill truly tried to live the Christian ideal. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a genuine role model for his family. People loved to be around Bill because he was a good friend with a contagious sense of humor. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Bill enjoyed watching all sports, listening to all kinds of music and fellowship with the men in his golf and bowling leagues.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Norma Jean; his two daughters, Debbie (John) Idoine of Mount Vernon and Dotty (Mike) Ballantyne of Massillon; two sons, Bill (Carol) Ford of North Canton and Bob (Tina) Ford of Louisville; five grandchildren, Christine (Timothy) Proctor of Galena, Dr. and Mrs. John (Robin) Idoine III of Columbus, Laura Idoine of Columbus, Ryan (Ashley) Ford of Cuyahoga Falls and Megan (Nathan) Wright of New York City; his brother, Bob (Jean) Ford of Oscoda, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Betty Bernhardy and Erma Thorpe.
A funeral celebration of Bill’s life will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Savior United Methodist with Pastors Rev. Edward M. Fashbaugh II and Dr. William R. Harvey officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home, 710 Tuscarawas St. W. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Savior United Methodist, 120 Cleveland Ave. S.W., Canton, OH 44702. Please share your condolences and memories in a guest book at www.shriverfuneralhomes.com.
