Earnest Robert Ford, 82, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on March 09, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Cleveland county, NC, son of the late Everette and Annie Bell Ford and was preceded in death by his siblings, Ellise Spencer, Joan Spencer, and Hildred Ford. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Gregory Ford.

Bob was a lifelong member of Kings Mountain Nazarene Church. He retired after many years of service in the maintenance department at Cleveland Community College. Bob was an accomplished musician and an amazing base player. Over the years he played with the Bluegrass Tarheels, Nelson Young and the Sandy Valley Boys, and the Lincoln County Partners among other notable bands. Bob played on stage at the Grand Ole Opry during his tenure with Lincoln County Partners, an accomplishment he was very proud of. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed fishing and eating great food. He loved to frequent the Pancake House in Shelby to enjoy breakfast with family and friends. He loved spending time with his loved ones and will be missed greatly by everyone who knew and loved him. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Cleveland County for the care and dedication shown to Ernest and his family during his last days.

SURVIVORS: Wife of sixty-two years: Pearl Thornburg Ford, of the home

Sons: Jimmy Ford (Cindy), Claremont, NC, Ricky Ford (Kim Navy), Kings Mountain, NC and Eddie Ford (Pam), Kings Mountain, NC

Daughters: Gina McGinnis (Ken), Sherri Williams (Danny), and Crystal Ford, all of Kings Mountain, NC

Fourteen Grandchildren and Twenty-Two Great Grandchildren

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, March 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM at First Church of the Nazarene, Kings Mountain with Reverend Jeff Wilson officiating. Attendees should follow all Covid-19 precautions including wearing face coverings and social distancing.

VISITATION: Monday, March 15, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service at the church and at other time at 137 Country Creek Drive, Kings Mountain.

INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernest's memory may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or to First Church of the Nazarene, Kings Mountain at 127 Countryside Drive, Kings Mountain, NC

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA