"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8

Reverend Ernest Lee Ford, 85, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021 at his home.  Ernest was born April 15, 1935 to the late Reverend James E. Ford, Sr. and Willia B. Price Ford in Earling, West Virginia.

Reverend Ernest Ford served in the United States Army for 2 years.  He lived in Detroit, MI for over 60 years and worked for the Edward C. Levy Company for 30 years where he retired.  He received numerous awards from the city and his job.  He was a member of the Local Teamsters in Detroit, MI. Rev. Ford was a family man, he had six children and plenty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was the founder and pastor of the Mt. Ararat Church for 43 years. He also did radio and television ministry.  Reverend Ernest Ford resigned in June 2012 and moved to Winston-Salem, NC where God used him again as he soared like an eagle.  Ernest was Senior Pastor at Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC for 8 years with his wife, Pastor Arnette Ford.  Reverend Ford loved the Lord and was a man of God, an anointed vessel that God used.  Reverend Ford said that he was extremely thankful and grateful to the Lord, for the great and mighty things he has done in his life, and the opportunity to walk in his will and way. "To God be the Glory"

He was preceded in death by his loving first wife of 43 years, Emgeno Ford; sisters, Ophelia Henry, Elizabeth Smoot, and Phyllis Nichols; brothers, Nathaniel Ford and James "June" Ford, Jr.; his son, Geronimo Patton; and brother-in-law, Luther Price.

The beautiful memories of his life will be forever cherished by his devoted wife of 18 years, The Reverend  Arnette L. Ford; his children, Minister Princess "Sissy" Phifer, Minister Opehlia Robinson; Lynn Reanard) Boynton, and James "Marty" Butcher, Velora "Jeannie" (Robert) Smith all of Detroit, MI, and Kent Lee Scippio, Jr. of Newport News, VA; sisters, Sarah Price of Madison, WV and Bonnie (Arthur) Jackson of Detroit, MI; brother, Joseph C. Ford of Detroit, MI; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Patton; brother-in-law, Norman Smoot of Augusta, GA; a loving sister-in-law, Marie Hoyle of W-S, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Friday, March 26, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at a later date at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Detroit, MI.  Interment will follow in the Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, MI.

RUSSELL FUNERAL DIRECTORS ARE IN CHARGE OF SERVICES AND ARRANGEMENTS