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COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – On Monday, the Midlands paid their last respects to Vince Ford, a longtime Richland School District One board member, Prisma Health executive and community advocate.
Ford died last week at the age of 64.
RELATED CONTENT/ WATCH: Funeral held for community leader Vince Ford
RELATED CONTENT/ Funeral arrangements have been announced for community leader Vince Ford
Wednesday morning, Prisma Health released a statement following the death of its senior vice president of Community Affairs, Vince Ford. He is 64 years old.
A sea of people showed up to Ford’s Celebration of Life at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia on Monday afternoon to remember and honor his legacy.
Those who knew and loved him said he was larger than life, and some people described him as a servant leader.
“I used to call him the busiest man in show business,” says longtime friend Bernard McKie. “Because he’s always on the move, always doing something, always doing something for someone, never asking or looking for anything in return.”
For many, he was a mentor.
Sen. said. Darrell Jackson is everyone’s friend because “a friend loves all the time.”
“Vince loved all his friends,” Jackson said. “What’s funny about Vince is that there are about 20 people who think they are Vince’s best friends. And that’s what he wants.”
Ford’s daughter Robyn said she poured her heart and soul into helping others reach their full potential.
She said her father’s purpose was people, and she thanked him for living his life “bravely and strongly.”
“I believe with all my heart that her purpose is bigger than her,” Robyn said. “He’s all about making sure kids and all underserved populations have access to equal opportunities.”
Ford deeply cares about Columbia’s youth, serving nearly 25 years on the board of Richland One, including roles as chairman.
Rep. remembered. Leon Howard is the one time Ford told someone he had 27,502 children.
“‘You said he was the vice president but did you talk to Chuck to ask him for help?'” he said. “I said, ‘No, he’s the chair of the school board and he claims all the kids. ‘”
Friends say Ford often started conversations with this greeting: how are the kids?
As hundreds gathered to celebrate a life well lived, Dr. Ronald Epps that the answer to that question is indisputable.
“I’ll tell you as I think the kids are better off in Columbia, South Carolina because of Vince Ford,” he said to applause.
Among those who spoke in remembrance of Ford today was Congressman James Clyburn.
Clyburn said Ford’s impact on Columbia was profound, and his accomplishments are now commemorated in the Congressional Record.
Ford also served on the board of Benedict College, is a lifetime member of the NAACP, and is a 2018 inductee into the Richland One Hall of Fame.
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