[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED 
                     REPRESENTATIVE, CLAY FORD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Representative Clay 
Ford, Jr., who passed away on March 18, 2013 after a courageous battle 
with cancer. Throughout his long and distinguished career in the United 
States Army and public service, Representative Ford served as a mentor 
and an inspiration to countless individuals. All those who have been 
blessed by his presence mourn the loss of a great man and unparalleled 
public servant.
   Representative Ford, an Arkansas native, studied at the University 
of Arkansas, where he received his Bachelor's in Finance as well as his 
Juris Doctorate. He continued his education at Shippensburg University, 
where obtained his Master's in Public Administration. He married Carol 
Ann DeBusk Ford, of Little Rock Arkansas, and together they raised 
three sons, David, Doug, and Clay.
   Representative Ford served proudly for more than 30 years in the 
United States Army as an infantry officer rising from the rank of 
Private to retire as Colonel in 1988. During his faithful years of 
service to our nation's Armed Forces, he filled important roles in both 
active, reserve, and the National Guard components of the Army. He 
served our country with honor and distinction, and he helped to protect 
the freedoms we all enjoy today. His many accomplishments during 
service include a NRA national record for the high power rifle 
competition.
   In addition to his dedicated service to the Armed Forces, 
Representative Ford will be remembered for his leadership and 
contributions as a dedicated public servant. Before settling in 
Northwest Florida, he served his native state of Arkansas as a 
Representative of the Arkansas State Legislature from 1975-1976. In 
1990 he was elected to the Gulf Breeze City Council in Florida, where 
he served until his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 
2007. Representative Ford was widely respected by those who knew him. 
He was a man of conviction and compassion.
   Aside from his leadership in the Florida House of Representatives, 
he was involved in a myriad of civic and veterans service 
organizations, including the Gulf Breeze Methodist Church, Gulf Breeze 
Rotary Club, Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Breeze City 
Council, Florida League of Cities--where he served as president from 
2004-2005, National Rifle Association, American Legion, and Military 
Officers Association of America.
   Throughout his life, Representative Ford served his nation and 
community with the utmost integrity and humility. To some, he will be 
remembered as a dedicated public official with an unwavering commitment 
to serving his community. To others, he will be remembered as a patriot 
who served our nation with honor and distinction. To his family and 
friends, he will most fondly be remembered as a man of faith and a 
loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His 
contributions to Northwest Florida, Arkansas, and our nation were truly 
exceptional and his legacy will not be forgotten.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor the life of Clay Ford, Jr. My wife Vicki joins me 
in extending our sincerest condolences and our prayers go out to his 
wife, Carol; sons, David, Doug, and Clay; eight grandchildren; one 
great-grandchild; and the entire Ford family. He will truly be missed 
by all.

                          ____________________