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On Aug. 25, 2023, Steven Richard Ford, 51, of Advance, NC, passed away peacefully at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home with family and friends by his side. Steve became free of pain, and his long fight with cancer was over as he was welcomed into heaven with open arms.

Steve was born on Dec. 7, 1971 to Barbara VanDyke and the late Richard Ford in Chillicothe, Ohio.

He is survived by: his wife, Shannon, and their son, Luke, of Advance; mother, Barbara VanDyke (Bill Roberts) of Kississimee; mother-in-law, Alma Shinault of Clemmons; sister-in-law, Annette (David) Dezarn of Mocksville; as well as special nieces, Natalie Dezarn of Mocksville and Madison (Alex) Hedrick of Middlesex.

Steve loved his family dearly. Shannon and Luke were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. Steve was loved by a group of chosen brothers who would drop everything in a second to help him – Jon Foster, Ryan King, Mike McLean, Chad Noggle, Tim Pennington, Jake Rowe, Joe Thompson, Ryan Thompson, and Dan Van Deusen.

His canine companions were dear to him. Booker has stayed behind with Shannon and Luke, but Missy and Barney are on a long walk with him now.

His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.

Everyone who knew Steve felt his big heart and giving nature. He was a huge fan of Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football. He loved spending time on the golf course (as many days as his health and weather allowed). He also had a sweet tooth that was unrivaled.

A celebration of his life will be held at Hillsdale Church, 5018 US 158, Advance, on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. Join for a memorial service and fellowship with the family after to share all of the happiness that he brought to all of our lives. Dress for a gathering of friends rather than a funeral.

The family would like to thank a team of incredibly special caregivers who planned, cared, and worked alongside him for 5.5 years and who repeatedly saw firsthand that miracles can happen – Katie Carlton, Julie Clevenger, April Greissinger, and Dr. Caio Rocha-Lima of Wake Forest Baptist Health. A special thank you to the sweet and caring team at Trellis Supportive Care, with a special thanks to his home nurse, Marie Ward.

Anyone who wishes to honor Steve is requested to make a contribution to Luke’s college fund made payable to “College America for the benefit of Luke P. Ford” and mailed to the Ford residence at 115 Old Course Drive, Advance, NC 27006.