Willie Lincoln Ford Jr. succumbed to death on March 27, 2025, at 8:45 pm at the Veterans Medical Center in West Haven, CT after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 2, 1951, in Boston, GA, the beloved son of Willie Lincoln Ford Sr. and Lillie Pearl Ford. Willie’s life was one of dedication, purpose, and deep love for those around him. He was a man who approached everything he did with a strong sense of responsibility, from his family life to his service to his country and his passion for music.

Willie graduated as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1968 from Douglas High School in Thomasville, Ga. He was a driven student, always striving to achieve excellence. Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969, where he specialized in communication at Barksdale Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. During the same year, Willie married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Dixon. Together, they created a family, raising two sons, Lincoln Deshan and Simeon DaVane, who were the center of his world.

In addition to his parents, Willie was predeceased by his beloved maternal grandparents, Hollin and Nora Lee Thomas, his paternal grandmother’s Hattie Jones, his aunt Ruby Gloster, his sister Ruby (affectionately known as Peggy) of Thomasville, GA, his sister Revon, his daughter, Kaya, and his son, Simeon. His nephew Ronald also preceded him in death.

Willie is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Allister-Ford, as well as his children: Lincoln Deshan, Kassia, Deidra (from his second marriage to Brenda Ford-Smith), and Benson, whom he shared with his loving wife, Wendy. He is also survived by Jared (Kylie) and Dexter (Katie),his dear brother-in-law Lindon and his brother Willie, affectionately called big Willie.

Grandchildren: Leighanna, Desmond, Dmetri, Domenik, Devonte, Jaylen, Deshan, Amirah, Decorius, Terrin, Tericus, Dream, Alaysia Renee Tazwell, Kaylin. His dear nephew, Roy (affectionately known as Rodney), His nephew Harold and his nieces Denise and Kendra also hold dear memories of their time with Willie. He also leaves behind a host of other family members and friends in the Georgia, Florida and Connecticut areas including his dear “Aunties”, Fairer and Florence. His “brother” Johnny, his dear friends and former co-workers, Elizabeth (Liz) Patricia (Pat) and his dear friend MS. Evelyn.

Willie’s life was defined by service. After his time in the Air Force, he continued his service to his country and his community by working at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, CT, where he dedicated 35 years of his life. His commitment to his work was a reflection of his selflessness and devotion to others. He retired from the Veterans Hospital, but his legacy of care and service lives on in the hearts of his colleagues and those he helped over the years.

To know Willie was to love him. He had an infectious personality and an undeniable sense of style. His fashion was one of his trademarks-each time he stepped out, he was dressed to the nines, always wearing one of his signature glasses. His sense of humor was equally legendary, and his warmth and charm brought joy to everyone around him.

But Willie’s greatest passion, beyond his family and service, was his love for music. Music was a constant thread throughout his life, from his early days in the 1970s, when he played the tenor saxophone with a local band. His talent for jazz and soul music was evident, and it was something he carried with him throughout his life. Music was never just a hobby for Willie; it was a way of life. His deep love for sound, rhythm, and melody filled every corner of his being. Later in life, Willie made a tradition of starting each Saturday morning by playing his favorite artist, Grover Washington Jr.‘s Mister Magic. The soulful melodies would fill the house, setting a peaceful and joyful tone for the day ahead. Those mornings became a cherished ritual for his family, a reminder of Willie’s love for music and the way he used it to create a positive, uplifting atmosphere for everyone around him.

Willie’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and music. His commitment to his family, his country, and his community are a testament to the strength of his character. He leaves behind a profound impact on those who knew him. His spirit, generosity, and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of sharing time with him.

A celebration of Willie’s life and legacy will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at The Kingdom Embassy Church (New Beginnings Ministries), 21 Pershing Street, Hamden, followed by burial in State Veterans’ Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. Family and friends may view at the church from 9:00-10:00 A.M.