A true cowboy, with a heart as vast as the open range, has ridden off into the sunset.  He leaves behind a legacy of grit, loyalty, and a love for the land that echoes in the wind.  His spirit will forever roam the trails, a guiding star for those who knew him, a reminder that true cowboys never truly leave us, they simply ride on in the memories we hold dear.

Cecil Ford passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, in his hometown of Paragould, Arkansas, where he was born on April 12, 1943 to the late Eugene and Claudia Ford. His presence enriched the lives of those around him, and his departure has left a void filled with fond memories and lasting love.

Cecil shared a beautiful journey of 16 years with his loving wife, Susie Ford. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, shared dreams, and an unwavering bond. His legacy continues through his children, Blake Ford, Tanika Ford, Cecilia "C.K." Lonascus, Dawn Sayles, and Jason Bell. Cecil's playful spirit lives on in the hearts of his grandchildren, Austin Ford, Jackson Ford, Grayson Ford, Eastyn Jarrett, and Eddi Luster, who will cherish the wisdom and joy he imparted.

Cecil was a man of the land, his hands shaped by years of dedication to trading and training quarter horses, a vocation he pursued with passion for over five decades. His work was more than a career; it was a calling that allowed him to touch the lives of many fellow horse enthusiasts and contribute significantly to the equestrian community.

Cecil's sisters, Phylis McLaughlin and Rowena Gardner, remember him as a steadfast presence. His family, a source of immense pride, will carry forward the values he instilled in them: hard work, integrity, and the importance of kinship.

A true cowboy at heart, Cecil found solace in the simple pleasures of life. He was happiest when riding his trusty gator, surveying his farm, or when he was spending time in the barn with his beloved dogs. The rodeo was a source of constant enjoyment, a place where he could celebrate the traditions and skills that he revered.

Cecil's home was a welcoming haven, a place where friends and family were always greeted with warmth. Many will recall the joy of sitting with him on the front porch or in his barn, where conversations flowed as easily as the beer he loved to share.

As the sun sets on Cecil's time here with us, we take comfort in the words he lived by, "Cowboys never die, they just ride on home." His journey on earth may have ended, but his ride continues beyond the horizon, where the pastures are green and the skies are clear.

Rodeo on the Ridge will honor Cecil at the rodeo on May 30 with a scholarship fund in his honor.  Lasting memorials may be made to the scholarship fund Unico Bank.