Mitchell Ford

Mitchell Alvin Ford, 50, of Atkins, passed away Friday, January 2, 2015, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville. He was born June 26, 1964, in Camp Pendleton, California, son of the late Leamon Carl and Mitsue Ueno Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Carl Ford; and grandparents, L.A. and Hattie Ford, all of Atkins. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Debbie Ford of Atkins; two daughters and a son-in-law, Victoria Ford Dorn and husband Weston Dorn of California, and Erica Ford; son, Robert Ford; father and mother-in-law, Carroll and Judy Griffin; two brother-in-laws, Bill Griffin and wife Sissy Griffin, and Steve Griffin and wife Lisa; niece, Crystal Griffin; nephew, Zack Griffin, all of Atkins; two aunts, Lela and husband Buddy Ogle of Mayflower, and Judy and husband Kirk Rose of Kenwood; and many special friends whom he cherished and often visited on his rounds, including Ray Miller, Ed Wright, Bill Nunnelly, Steve Carr and so many others. Mitchell worked as a supervisor for various off-shore drilling contractors. From 1991-1995, he worked as a Union Millwright. From 1995-2002, he owned and operated his farm in Atkins, and from September 2002-present, Mitchell worked as a Local 216 Union Millwright. He served as a delegate and a warden to the Southern States Millwright Regional Council and as Vice-President and President of Local 216. He mentored and shared his extensive knowledge with many, teaching Millwright apprentices and Journeyman classes for the AR/OK Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund. Mitch also worked in many ways to help his brothers and the Local 216 to survive and to prosper. All friends and family are asked to come as you are and to share with us Mitch's Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Hughes Center in Russellville. Funeral arrangements are by Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins. Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.