With heavy hearts and profound love, we honor the life and legacy of Sgt. William Michael Ford, lovingly known as Mike or Pop. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, proud United States Marine, dedicated counselor, and mentor who made an immeasurable impact on the world around him and the people in it.
Mike was born on December 27, 1961, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to William Percy Ford and Marie Jane Ford. He grew up in Corpus Christi with his brother, Mark Patrick Ford, and attended Flour Bluff Elementary, Junior High, and High School. From his early years, Mike developed the strength, determination, and character that would define his life of service to others.
In 1980, Mike answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably from 1980 to 1992, earning the rank of Sergeant. During his military career, Mike served as a Marine Corps journalist and substance abuse counselor and received several military honors and awards. These awards included the Rifle Expert Badge, a letter of appreciation, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Navy Achievement Medal. His dedication to the Marine Corps and the values of honor, courage, and commitment remained an enduring part of who he was.
After his military service, Mike continued his mission to help others as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). He was deeply involved in the behavioral health field, attending conferences, seminars, and professional gatherings to continue learning and sharing his knowledge. He was an avid and devoted member of the recovery communities in Kerrville, Nashville, Corpus Christi, and San Diego, where he built lasting friendships and touched countless lives.
Mike dedicated his life to serving others. Through counseling, mentorship, and his willingness to guide people through life’s challenges, he made a lasting difference in so many lives. He offered wisdom when it was needed, encouragement when hope seemed distant, and support to those searching for direction. He was the kind of person you'd want to be when you grew up, no matter how old you were.
And, of course, he was always ready to share a “history lesson”, whether you wanted one or not. If you spent any time with Mike, you were undoubtedly learning something new that day. He had such a wide range of knowledge and an impeccable memory. He could seamlessly switch from a conversation about a rock band's history and details to a book's impact on society.
Above all his accomplishments, though, Mike’s greatest legacy was the love he gave his family.
Mike married the love of his life, Robin Renee Hendrickson-Ford, on June 29, 1996, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Together, they shared 30 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, loyalty, and devotion. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Robin, affectionately known as Ma, who shared his life, his love, and his journey.
Mike was a proud father to his son, Douglas Lee Ford, and a cherished father-in-law to Amber Ford. His greatest joy was being Grandpa to his beloved grandchildren: Hadassah Meia Ford, Erin Dawn Ford, Ella Grace Ford, and Liam Douglas Ford. They will forever carry the memory of a grandfather whose life exemplified perseverance, dedication, strength, and unconditional love.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, William Percy and Marie Jane Ford, and his brother, Mark Patrick Ford. They are no doubt joyfully reunited in heaven, embracing warmly as they meet again.
His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, fellow Marines, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Yet, the legacy he leaves behind is far greater than the sorrow of his loss. It lives in the people he mentored, the individuals he counseled, the lives he helped change, and the family who will continue to honor his name.
Pop understood that true leadership was not simply about rank or authority, but about lifting others up, standing beside those in need, and leaving people better than he found them. Mike considered himself an empath, utilizing his understanding of others to help those around him. Mike didn't use the word "empathetic" to describe this, though, because he said himself that feeling in tune with those around you is nothing pathetic. His life was a testament to service, compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others.
Though our hearts grieve his absence, we find comfort in knowing that his influence will never fade. His lessons will continue to guide, his kindness will continue to inspire, and his memory will forever remain a source of strength for those who loved him.
To Mike’s brothers and sisters in the recovery community, too numerous to mention, thank you for loving him, walking beside him, and being such an important part of his life. Your fellowship meant more than words can express.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to CHILL (Community Has It), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and communities. Donations may be made in Mike’s honor through their website: https://www.communityhasit.org/about
And to our dear Mike: You answered the call to serve your country, you stood strong for your family, and you dedicated your life to helping others. Your watch may have ended, but your mission lives on in every life you changed.
You will be forever loved by Robin, Douglas, Amber, Hadassah, Erin, Ella, and Liam, and forever remembered by the countless people whose lives are better because of you.
As the Ford family says goodbye, there is comfort in knowing the Ford boys are getting to hunt the big sendero in the sky together. We're sure Mark is pissed that you’re about to take the best blind again.
Forever a Marine. Forever a Mentor. Forever in Our Hearts.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Fair winds and following seas, Marine.
Semper Fi.