Lt. Commander Alvis Shelton Ford, USN (Ret.) passed away July 13, 2017 following ineffective treatment at a local hospital. He was 85 years old.

"Buddy" was born and spent his early years in Gadsden, Alabama where he met and married his wife, Patricia (née Traylor), who became his companion for the next 60 years. He served first in the Army Rangers, and then in the Navy as an aviator. Among his assignments he was a flight instructor at NAS Pensacola and served aboard the training carrier Lexington. As well as multiple tours in Pensacola, Al & Pat were also stationed at NAS Brunswick, Maine; Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands; and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. After retiring from the Navy, Al & Pat returned to Pensacola, where Al taught industrial arts and worked in various local businesses. He filled free time fishing, fixing things, attempting to grow roses, volunteering at Baptist Hospital, and supporting ministries of First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and participated in choir, the bus ministry, Singing Seniors, and Samaritan Hands. He and Pat travelled as mission volunteers to Japan, Peru, Ecuador, Miami, and New Orleans.

He and Pat spent much energy and money cheering any sports team associated with the University of Alabama, even during the dark times without national championships. They went to professional baseball and football games in person when they had the chance. They also enjoyed time with friends in a Friday night dinner group (Bill & Louise Hardin, Jim & Evona Adcox, Earl & Joyce Berry, Jim & Camille Dunaway, T.A. & Eloise Shell, Bill & Carole Thompson, Jack & Betty Logsdon, James & Shirley Calloway, J.P. & Flo Minchew, and Doris Jean Mowe) and having Saturday lunches with Pat's sister and brother in law, Amy & Dave Boggis.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Lonnie and Lois Ford and son, Steve.

He is survived by wife, Patricia and son, Phillip; brother William; special grandchildren, Karis and Caleb Thompson; "adopted daughters," Sharon Thompson and Allison Chestnut and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, July 18, at 2:00 PM in Pleitz Chapel at Pensacola First Baptist Church, Pensacola, with Dr. Ross Lankford officiating.

Al never cared much for cut flowers, so please make donations to Samaritan Hands at First Baptist Church.

Finally, Al would like to remind you that "There is no such thing as a free lunch," but join the family for complimentary refreshments after the memorial service.