Thomas (Tommy) Corley Ford

Thomas “Tommy” Corley Ford was born in Rusk, Texas on March 18, 1954 to Frank and Cornelia Ford. He graduated from Rusk High School in 1972 and spent the next 38 years working for Rusk State Hospital as the Warehouse Manager. Tommy married the love of his life, Kelly Benge, in 1981 and they raised two children, Jennifer and Chris, in their home that he built himself in the Mt. Hope Community. Tommy was an avid hunter and loved to hunt deer and squirrels. In 1979, he shot a Cherokee County record-size 25 point buck, that remains one of the largest bucks shot in the county still today. He instilled the love of hunting and fishing in his children and grandchildren taking them to the deer stand with him or fishing in his “blue hornet” fishing boat. Tommy was known to be a bit of a jokester and had a contagious sense of humor. He loved to laugh and he often gave his loved ones gag gifts that made everybody laugh. He had a smile and laugh that brightened up any room. He was also an honest and reputable man that was well known in his community. He was a devoted member of Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He would do anything to help his family and friends. Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kelly Ford; children Jennifer Ford of Rusk, Chris Ford and wife Cori of Rusk; sisters Barbara McCreight and husband Charles of Rusk, LaVerne Lusk and husband Jerry of Rusk; brother Larry Ford and wife Becky of Rusk; grandchildren Thomas Munsinger, Evelyn Peters, Caden Ford, Aubrie Ford, Truitt Ford, and Brinlee Ford. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also remembered by his life-long best friend Bobby Long who held a special place in his life. A time of visitation will be held at the Chapel of Wallace-Thompson Funeral home on Friday, December 27, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, December 28 at 11 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers are Thomas Munsinger, David Ford, Frank Ford, Caden Ford, Jacob Crowley, and Cord Stover. Honorary Pallbearers are Scooter Ford, Truitt Ford, Bobby Long, and Tommy Ford’s fellow coworkers of the Rusk State Hospital warehouse.

Thomas (Tommy) Corley Ford

March 18, 1954 - December 23, 2024