Jesse Ford

Jesse "Jack" Ford, affectionately known as "Gravy Train," was born on May 20, 1939, to the late Jimmie Lee and Allie Mae Ford in Strong, Arkansas. As Jack grew into a young man, he met and married a lovely lady named Bessie Cleo Crew Ford. From this union, six children were born: Donnie Ford, Shirley Ford, Percy Ford, Charles Ford, Deborah Ford, and Janice Ford.

He was a faithful member of New Eastside Baptist Church. Jack was employed with the Coca-Cola Plant at a young age, but he did not stop there. He later became a loyal employee of J&M Poultry, which later became Pilgrim's Pride, and then ConAgra, where he retired after many years of service.

Jack was well known throughout the community. He loved celebrating birthdays, and people would travel from near and far to show their love for him the yards and streets would be packed. Jack had a favorite place where he spent time throughout the week, once known as Tells, later called Thunder Zone, and now known as No Rooftop.

He will truly be missed.

Jesse entered eternal rest on December 9, 2025, at South Arkansas Regional Hospital.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Lee and Allie Mae Ford, his wife Bessie Cleo Crew Ford; three sisters, Mary Ford, Grace Ola Stringfellow and Martha Sanders; two brothers, Jesse Lee Ford and Prezale Ford; one daughter, Deborah Ann Ford; one son, Charles Ford; and one grandson, Fredrick Curley, Jr.

Jesse leaves many cherished memories with his sister, Ella Tony of Las Vegas, Nevada; three daughters, Janice (Fred) Curley, Vada (Anthony) Traylor of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Shirley Aud-Gyane of Crossett, Arkansas; two sons, Donnie (Juanita) Ford and Percy Ford; and one bonus son, Howard Buggs, better known as Pete.

He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Brandon (Keitha) Curley; Tony (Sharikka) Moore; Donald (Shameka) Ford; Nick (Andrea) Ford; Brianna Ford; Heavenly Jackson, all of El Dorado, Arkansas; and Calvin Ford of Houston, Texas.

He shared 34 special years with his loving companion, Ella Mae Williams.

He gained four step-bonus children: Dossie (Beverly) Williams; Melisa (Randy) Harris; Jessie (Connie) Williams; and Damon William, all of El Dorado, Arkansas.

He also leaves one bonus granddaughter, Latoya Williams; twenty great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; thirteen bonus grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends. And No Roof Top Family.