Edwin C. Ford, 98, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and well-known Shelby businessman died December 15, 2018 following a period of declining health.

Edwin, a life-long resident of Shelby, was born in 1920, the son of the late Thad C. and Tommie B. Ford. He attended Shelby City Schools and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He married Esther Ann Quinn in 1942, his wife for sixty seven years. Edwin was inducted into the United States Army, 797^th Ordnance Company in February 1943 and served in the European and Pacific theaters. He was discharged in February 1946 as a decorated veteran and returned to Shelby to join his father in the operation and management of the O.E. Ford Company, later becoming owner and president of the business. He retired in 1989 when the company was sold.

Edwin was very caring, loving, compassionate and generous, with his family being his top priority. Affectionately referred to as "Big E", he thoroughly enjoyed his time with relatives and friends. He was very faithful to Aldersgate United Methodist Church where he was a charter member and over the years was active on many boards and committees. He was also involved with numerous community organizations including committees of the City of Shelby and civic clubs, most notably Shelby Rotary Club, where he served as President in 1958-1959 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

In addition to his parents, Edwin was preceded in death by his wife Esther Ann Ford, and his sister Margaret Bettis of Winston-Salem.

He is survived by his son Clark Ford and wife Sherry of Lenoir, and daughter Helen Pack and husband Tommy of Boiling Springs; grandchildren Alison Gurley and husband Mike of Concord, Lindsay Howard and husband Matt of Charlotte, Carol Pack of Shelby, and Kenny Pack of Salt Lake City, Utah; great-grandchildren Nick Gurley, Zach Gurley, Ella Howard and Kate Howard.

A private committal service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby. A memorial service will be held that afternoon at 2:00, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1207 West Dixon Blvd. in Shelby. A receiving of friends will follow the service at the church.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1207 West Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the wonderful caregivers who were with Edwin day and night for several years: Nettie Wray, Virginia Waiters,

Kathy McDaniel and Inshena Parrott. Appreciation is also expressed to all of the excellent staff of Hospice Cleveland County who provided Edwin with professionally outstanding and compassionate health care both at home and as an in-patient at Wendover Hospice House.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Ford.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com