[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 124 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF CHARLEIGH FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of veteran Charleigh Ford, who passed away on Monday, June 27, 
due to COVID-19 and dementia complications.
  Charleigh's life began on October 20, 1941, in Columbus, Mississippi. 
Charleigh was a man who loved to share stories, stories that dated back 
to his time as a paperboy, and riding bikes on dirt hills with the 
other boys in the area. He would eventually outgrow the role of 
paperboy and would take on the role of a team member--in football, 
track, and the United States Air Force.
  After graduating from Lee High, Charleigh stuck to his Mississippi 
roots and attended Mississippi State University, where he met his wife, 
Lillian Hixon ``Lillajo'' Ford. Little did Charleigh know that his 
impact on the world was just beginning after he graduated from 
Mississippi State University. After college, a wedding, and the birth 
of his first son, Charleigh was deployed to Vietnam for a year, writing 
letters to Lillian every day.
  Charleigh didn't stop pursuing his passions even after the war. He 
later found his place in the Chamber of Commerce and Economic 
Development business, making his most significant impact on Lowndes 
County. He was incredibly instrumental in forming the ``Golden Triangle 
Link'' to recruit industries to Columbus and surrounding areas.
  Of all of Charleigh's accomplishments, his family was his pride and 
joy. Once he had grandchildren, his life was complete. He was such a 
devoted grandfather, the ladies at daycare had to tell him to stop 
looking through the window at his granddaughter because she would get 
upset every time he left. When they were old enough to spend the night, 
he would have all of them over so they could get McDonald's pancakes in 
the morning. He would always treat the kids to whatever they wanted.
  Charleigh's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family 
and community and will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
  Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Michelle Turberville; his 
two grandsons, Josh and Drew Turberville; his brother, Jimmy Young; as 
well as many other friends and extended family members.

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