M.D. Ford

Milledge Delonia, “M.D.” Ford, 88, of China Grove, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, with his family by his side, into the arms of his Savior. He was born in Muscadine, Alabama on March 2, 1937, to the late George Lindsey Ford and Ola Jewel Chandler Ford.

M.D. graduated from A.L. Brown High School in 1955. He married Linda Ketner on December 2, 1956. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2000.

M.D. retired as plant manager at Cannon Mills after 50 years of service. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

M.D. was a lifelong volunteer of the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Silver Beaver award, Outstanding Young Man Award from the Jaycees and he is presently in the Hall of Fame at A.L. Brown High School. He was also awarded the prestigious North Carolina Long Leaf Pine Award.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four children, Carl (Angela) Ford, Monica (Mark) Newsome, Paulette (Kevin) Wilson and Eddie (Kelly Dennard) Ford; seven grandchildren, Anthony (Jayme) Frampton, Lindsay (Jace) Thomas, Candace Ford, Taylor (Carlie) Ford, Jenifer (Matthew) Morgan, Tiffaney (John) Reiszel and Alex Wilson; 13 great grandchildren; many other nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his three brothers Al, Billy, David Ford and one sister Freda Ford.

Private family services were held at Ebenezer Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Lucas R. Safrit from Christiana Lutheran Church, Salisbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 4915 Old Beatty Ford Road, China Grove, NC 28023 or the Boy Scout Troop #328.