Melvin Lindberg Ford Sr. was born on September 4, 1958, to the late James Herbert Ford and Ada Lee Ford of Quincy, Florida. Melvin spent his early years in Quincy Florida where he attended elementary school soon after Melvin moved to Moore Haven Florida where he attended middle school and later moved to Clewiston where he attended Harlem Academy and later graduated from Clewiston High School.

After high school, Melvin enlisted in the Army where he served 4 years and was honorably discharged. After leaving the Army Melvin moved back to Clewiston, Florida, and began working for Berner Oil Company. For 35 years, Melvin dedicated himself to the company, where he not only worked hard but also built lasting relationships that felt like family. His commitment and love for his job, especially driving "his gas truck," were well known to all who worked with him. However, in 2012, Melvin suffered a stroke that ended his ability to continue working at Berner Oil.

In addition to his dedication to Berner Oil, Melvin took immense pride in being a part of the Clewiston Cougar Football organization for over 15 years. His involvement with the Cougars went beyond just coaching or supporting the team; he made a significant impact on both the Harlem and Clewiston communities. Melvin's contributions to the organization were not only about fostering athletic talent but also about guiding and mentoring young individuals, helping them build character, teamwork, and discipline. His unwavering commitment to the community left a lasting legacy, and his efforts were felt by many who grew up through the Cougar program. Through his work with the Cougars, Melvin became a respected figure who strengthened the ties within the communities he cared so deeply about.

In 1983, Melvin's life took a beautiful turn when he met the love of his life, Jackolyn Ford, in Bartow, Florida. Their connection was immediate, and after dating for only a few months, Melvin knew she was the one. In a moment of certainty and love, he asked Jackolyn to marry him. Their commitment to each quickly turned into a lifelong partnership, and together they shared many years of love, support, and joy. Melvin and Jackolyn stood true to their vows.

Melvin was the true definition of a family man, and his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was evident in everything he did. He took great pride in providing for his family, always working hard year-round to ensure they had everything they needed. Despite his busy schedule, Melvin made it a priority to take his family on yearly vacations, creating lasting memories with his wife, kids, and grandkids. These trips were a cherished tradition, and they brought Melvin immense joy.

While he took great pride in being a father, it was his role as a grandfather that brought him the most happiness. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he adored spending time with them, nurturing their growth and sharing special moments. Melvin's love for his family was at the heart of everything he did, and he built a legacy of love, dedication, and care that will live on through them.

Melvin is preceded in death by his father, James Herbert Ford Sr.; his brother, Patrick Ford; his sister, Aquitta Ford; his sister-in-law, Evangelist Sheila Williams; his nephew, Arthur Gadson; his brother-in-law, Rico Harris; and Jackolyn's grandmother, Thelma Cole. These beloved family members, though no longer with us, hold a special place in Melvin's heart, and their memories continue to live on through the love and strength of the family he cherished so deeply.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Jackolyn Ford of 41 years who resides in Clewiston Florida.

He also leaves his mother Ada Lee Ford of Quincy, Florida. His siblings, Lorraine Gayle (Winston), James Ford Jr., Clifford Ford, Leonard Ford, Herman Brown all of Quincy Florida and Phillip Ford (Yolanda) of Clewiston Florida.

Melvin also leaves a Loving Mother and Father in Law Lula Mae Lovett and Willie Lee Jones of Bartow Florida. 2 Sister in laws Melissa Harris (Rico) and Denise Lovett of Winter Haven Florida.

Melvin's legacy will live on through his 4 children, Candace Mobley of Atlanta Georgia, Tiara Ford, Melvin Ford Jr. of Clewiston Florida and Mellanie Ford of Hyattsville Maryland.

Melvin has 7 grandchildren, Marco Ortiz, Kevarius Ruth, Cailin Mobley and Trezure Hardy all of Atlanta Georgia. Jerzie Nazien Ford, Princeton McCray, Promise Ford all of Clewiston Florida. 1 Great grandson Dominic King Ortiz of Atlanta Georgia.

Melvin leaves 3 best friends Willie Pass (Detrick), Albert Williams (Denise), Otis Wright (Tyrall)

Melvin also leaves his daily walking partner his Best Pal Luxx.