He was a fixture in Northeast Georgia law enforcement for decades. Now, Don Ford’s former colleagues and friends are paying tribute to his life of service.
Ford passed away Thursday, August 24, from health-related complications. He was 72.
‘Loved and respected’
A native of Hart County, Ford enlisted in the U.S. Marines out of high school and served in Vietnam. He left the military in 1975 and soon embarked on a law enforcement career that spanned over 40 years.
Ford joined the Hartwell Police Department in 1976. He later moved to Habersham County, where he worked at Lee Arrendale State Prison and the Cornelia Police Department.
“Don was loved and respected by all aspects of law enforcement and public safety throughout the state,” a department spokesperson said on social media.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ford also served as a Habersham County Sheriff’s deputy and Baldwin police officer. He briefly served as Baldwin’s Chief of Police after the sudden passing of Lamar Clark.
In 2006, Ford took the job as head of the newly formed Habersham County Board of Education Police Department — a job he held for seven years. In 2012, he made an unsuccessful bid for Habersham County Sheriff. Soon after, the sheriff’s office took over security for the school system.
Ford closed out his law enforcement career as a part-time and reserve officer for the town of Mt. Airy. He retired in 2018.
‘Semper Fi’
Habersham County Commissioner Bruce Harkness is among those paying tribute to Ford. He called him “one of the best men in our county.”
“He served our county, our community, and our country through military service and as a police officer. He was a true friend. He was a true Christian.”
Harkness recalled how Ford called him a few days before his death to say hello and check on him.
“He was my mentor and my friend, and I loved him,” Harkness said. “Our county, state, and country has lost a true hero and one of the best men that has ever served in uniform.”
“Semper Fi,” Cornelia police said, closing out their online tribute with the Marine motto that means “always faithful.”
Don Ford is survived by his wife, Mary, their five children, and grandchildren.
His funeral is set for noon on Wednesday, August 30, at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville. Ford will be buried at Hillside Memorial Gardens with full military and law enforcement honors.
The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 28, and on Tuesday, August 29.
Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens is located at 5495 GA 197 South in Clarkesville.
