Gordon L. Ford, age 76, passed away Monday, March 19, 2012 at the home of friends in Hardee Co. He was born November 7, 1935 in Arcadia, FL and a lifelong resident. Gordon was of the protestant faith. Gordon worked for the State of Florida at the livestock market handling cattle. He was an honorable Veteran of the United States Army. He will also be remembered as a cowboy, he rode bareback broncos at the rodeo. Gordon enjoyed life; he liked going dancing, the outdoors or just spending time with his family and friends having a barbeque. He is survived by one son, Guy L. (Brenda) Ford of Plant City, FL, one daughter Martha (Mike) Coffield of Savannah, GA, two brothers Nathan Ford of Wauchula, FL and David (Nancy) Ford of Lake Placid, FL, two sisters Linda Kay (Lamar) Robinson of Sebring, FL. and Joyce (Ken) McCloud of Wauchula, FL, three grandchildren; Stacy Marlow, Joseph Coffield and Josh Coffield and three great-grandchildren. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Dora Mink Ford, a brother James H. Ford and sister Jewell Watts. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. A Celabration Service of Gordon s life will follow graveside at 1:00PM at Joshua Creek Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Atkins officiating. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements.