Ronald "Buckshot" Ford

Ronald Wade Ford, 75, of Lucama, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. The Rev. David Kriger will officiate.

The family will receive friends Saturday immediately following the service.

Ronnie is survived by his loving and devoted children, Rosa Ford Dickerman of Sims, Samantha Ford of Middlesex, and Ronald Wade Ford II of Sims; grandchildren—the real reason he had kids, and who lovingly called him Papason—Tyler, Jordan, Connor, Walker, Rhyder, Morgan Paul, Troy Gold, Opal and Sage; sisters, Annette Ford Watson and husband, Quince of Lucama, and Christie Ford and husband, Joe Naasz of Garner; brother, Earl Ford of Texas; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and extended family who loved him.

Ronnie found immense joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, busting wood, mowing grass for his children, and tinkering in his workshop. He cherished every moment with his children and grandchildren, often telling them, “I love you more.” He also loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972, including a tour in Vietnam, volunteering to serve and showing his courage and dedication. Following his military service, Ronnie was employed in many different roles, including working at Firestone, farming, construction, and more. With his limitless ingenuity, he considered himself a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none, never afraid of hard work or getting his hands dirty, and always willing to help others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Ford and Sebie (Johnson) Ford.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pam Hurley and JaCynthia Jones for their dedicated care and compassion over the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veteran (DAV) in Ronnie’s memory.

“I’m glad you got to see me. If I’m not here, I’ll be somewhere else.” ~Ronnie

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.