OXFORD — James W. “Billy” Ford, 87, died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Bro. James West and Bro. Daniel Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church Cemetery in Panola County. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, which is in charge of arrangements.

Born in Yalobusha County, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Panola County, and a member of the Yalobusha VFW. He was a mechanic for Holley Carburetor/Borg-Warner in Water Valley where he retired after 23 years of service. He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, visiting with family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Betty Jane Mixon Ford; a sister, Julia Ann Thompson; and a brother, Bobby Ford.

He is survived by his daughter, Janie Cosby of Water Valley; sons, Bob Ford of Batesville, John D. Ford of Panola County and Kenny Ford of Dallas, Georgia; sisters, Dorothy Mixon of Batesville and Kay Mettetal of Sardis; brothers, Boyd Ford and Sonny Ford, both of Batesville; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.