Johnny Leroy Ford, 90, of Statesville, N.C., departed this life for his heavenly home with Jesus on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Gordon Hospice House.

Born December 15, 1935, in the Sharpsburg Township of Iredell County, Leroy was the son of John Clark Ford and Edna Ruth Beckham. He married the love of his life, Myrtle Sprinkle Ford, with whom he shared 40 years of devotion and partnership until her passing in 2015. Their partnership was rooted in faith, love, and service. Leroy retired from Kewaunee Scientific after many years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Ford Orren (Ted Orren, deceased) of Statesville; nephews, Mark Orren and Todd Orren, both of Statesville, and Michael D. Robinson (Teresa) of Pinehurst, N.C.. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Ford Robinson (Tommy D. Robinson, deceased).

He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Shirley Sprinkle Milsaps of Statesville.

A longtime member of Mountain Road Baptist Church in Statesville, Leroy lived a life that reflected his strong faith. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, brother, and uncle whose humility, joyful spirit, and generosity touched all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Mountain Road Baptist Church (132 Compton Park Road, Statesville, NC 28677), officiated by Pastor Jamie Fox. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1 p.m. prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

A graveside service will be held at Pisgah United Methodist Church in Hiddenite (488 Hill Farm Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636) following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Mountain Road Baptist Church or Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C.

Arrangements for Mr. Ford are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.