Michael W. Ford

October 8, 1942 – September 17, 2026

Michael W. Ford, 83, was born on October 8, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully in his home in Benton, Arkansas, on September 17, 2026.

Mike was born to Cecil Wayne Ford and Irene Elizabeth Wood Mann Ford and grew up in the Mabelvale and southwest Little Rock area. He had one sister, as well as several special cousins whom he spoke of often, sharing countless stories of their adventures growing up together. Some of Mike’s friendships began during his years at Mabelvale High School and remained strong all the way until the end—a testament to the kind of lifelong friend he was.

Mike married Jannie Ellen Pettus on July 7, 1962, and they were married for 35 years. Together, they had four children: Ronald Wayne Ford, Rebecca Jane Ford Calkins, Michelle Lynn Ford Acre, and Barbara Ellen Ford Jones.

Mike leaves behind a rather impressive flying career, although he was never just a pilot. Throughout his life, he owned numerous businesses and held more titles than could probably be listed. From his time serving in the U.S. Army Reserve to heating and air conditioning, electrical work, pawn shops, and car lots, Mike truly was a master of many trades. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do—or at least wouldn’t try.

But airplanes—and later in life, helicopters—were what most people knew him for.

There are countless stories from Mike’s flying days, some so unbelievable they sound as though they must have been made up. From flying Frenchies upside down to landing airplanes on interstates and taking back off again, Mike accumulated a lifetime of stories that will continue to be told for generations. If you knew Mike, chances are you’ve heard at least a few of them—and if you knew him well, you probably heard them more than once.

Mike had an incredible sense of humor, a trait that has most definitely been handed down through the generations. He knew how to make life fun. Even during some of life’s hardest moments, he could somehow find something to laugh about. That humor carried him through a lifetime of adventures and challenges, and it is something his family and friends will never forget.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister; the mother of his children, Jannie; and many cherished family members and dear friends.

He is survived by his four children and the large family that grew from them:

His son, Ronald “Ronnie” Ford (Kimberly), and grandchildren Blake Ford, Colton Ford, Luke Squires (Bailey), Dakota Squires, Samuel Squires, and Alina Squires;

his oldest daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Ford Calkins (Randy), and grandson Alex Rose (Cassie);

his middle daughter, Michelle Ford Acre (Brett), and grandchildren Elissa Ford (Drew), Branden Acre, Jake Acre, Laney Ford, and Katie Acre;

and his youngest daughter, Barbara “Barbie” Ford Jones (Darren), and grandchildren Tate, Garret (Kelsey), Brier, Brynn, Griffen, Elliet, Tripp, Layla, and Emrie.

Mike also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Arther Wade, Abigail, Maverick, Emily, Baby Penny, McCoy, and Bennet Ford Jones. And “Benny” certainly has some big shoes to fill carrying that middle name.

Mike is also survived by many special friends who became more like family—people who shared phone calls and FaceTimes with him almost daily and remained constants in his life. One in particular is Joey Berg. To Mike, Joey was so much more than a friend, and their relationship held a very special place in his heart.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at Mike’s home on what would have been his 84th birthday, October 8, 2026. In true Mike fashion, we will share stories, laugh, eat Larry’s Pizza, and spend time remembering the remarkable man we were fortunate enough to call Dad, Papa, Pops, family, and friend.

Those who would like to join the family in celebrating Mike’s life are asked to reach out to Ronnie, Michelle, or Barbie.

We will think of you every time a plane or helicopter flies overhead.

We promise to “handle it, handle it, handle it” from here on out, and we will do our very best to always find the humor in each and every moment—just like you taught us.

Thank you for loving us, Dad.

We’ll take it from here.