Big Stone Gap, VA - Michael Benjamin Ford, M.D. 77, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021, at his home in Big Stone Gap, VA. “Doc” lived most of his life in Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, VA where he served the people of Southwest Virginia. Born, in Roda, Virginia, on May 23, 1944, he lived there until his graduation from Appalachia High School in 1962. He graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1966 and medical school at the Medical College of VA in 1970. In 1971, he returned to Big Stone Gap. He practiced Family Medicine until retiring in 2018. During those years he worked at Dickenson-Wise Medical Group, Powell Valley Family Physicians, Wellmont Health System, and Appalachia Medical Clinic. He served as Secretary of the Wise County Medical Society and Wise County Medical Examiner for many years.

Doc loved his profession and had a passion for sharing his vast knowledge with everyone. He was the team physician for Appalachia, Powell Valley, and Union High school football teams. He was very dedicated to his profession and loved all of his patients dearly. His dedication to his patients, many of whom were cherished friends, was clear to everyone. His ability to truly listen to a person and make them feel heard was one of his special gifts. He always made time for whoever needed him, often working to the early hours of the morning to see all his patients. He always stopped when someone said “Hey Doc….”

He was preceded in death by his parents Rueben L. Ford and Agnes Brooks Ford and his brother Jim Ford.

Doc is survived by his wife of 22 years, Una Fay Ford; one sister, Jane Ford Taylor of Fincastle, VA; previous wife and mother of his children, Linda Crockett Ford of Kingsport, TN; his children, daughter Lietzle Ann Ford, of Charlottesville, VA and two sons, Derek (Christy) Ford, of Sevierville, TN and Michael (Kristy) Ford, of San Diego, California; his grandchildren, Whitney (Huntsville, AL) and Emma (Charlottesville, VA) Chronister, Luke, Ben, and Wilson Ford, of Sevierville, TN and Tanner, Casey, Ethan, and Curren Ford, of San Diego, California; his step-children, Renee (Terry) Mullins, of Big Stone Gap, VA, Jimmy D. Sneed, of Dublin, California, and Robbie Seabolt, of Derby, VA; his step-grandchildren, Teryn Mullins, of Gate City, VA, Tessa Sampson (Ethan), of Big Stone Gap, VA, Massey Seabolt, of Bristol, VA, Brooklyn Seabolt, of Big Stone Gap, VA; and his two great-grandchildren, Annie Kate Sampson, and Eastyn Carmody. Doc is also survived by his long-time best friend and fishing buddy, Randy Blair and special friends Pat Jervis and Ray Burgan.

His hobbies were farming, hunting buckeyes and morel mushrooms, going to Walmart, collecting coins and firearms, talking, and telling many, many tall stories. He loved to study about religions, world history and the cultures of the many different people around the world. He was an honorary member of the Andover Yacht Club, where he loved to go and eat breakfast with his friends.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Valley Fire and Rescue of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The members of the squad were so helpful to Dr. Ford and his wife. They were always willing to lend a hand when needed. He loved all of them, especially, Dale and Crystal Stidham, and Carlos Bush.

Doc would want you to truly take time to cherish and appreciate the beauty of every living thing around you. Take the time to look at the little things in this world and observe the amazement and beauty of life. Remember that we are all fellow men/women. Do at least one good deed every day. Be kind. Be attentive to people. Look people in the eyes when you are talking to them and speak respectively. Don’t ever stop learning, even if you don’t have the money. Don’t forget to laugh and always, always carry a buckeye and a pocketknife with you for good luck!!!

A private service for Dr. Ford will be held at a later date.