Henry Ford

HENRY FORD earned his wings to join his parents and siblings to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with his wife Barbara and son Henry II by his side. Henry was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 2, 1944, to Roosevelt Ford, Sr. and Carrie (Bruce) Ford. He was the tenth child of the Ford family. Henry was educated in the Detroit Public School System, attending Barber Middle School, Cass Technical and Eastern High Schools. He played in the band at both high schools. Henry was a proud veteran. He served as Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Henry started work at Chrysler Corporation through the Henry Ford Community College apprenticeship program. He enjoyed hands on work as a skilled tradesman and took part in many development programs at Chrysler. Henry was promoted and enjoyed a career as Supervisor in the Metal Model Prototype shop. Also, during a downtime at Chrysler, Henry had an opportunity to work in the General Motors Design Center for one year. He eventually returned to Chrysler and encouraged young African Americans to join the trade. Henry married Barbara Grady in June 1968 at Peoples Baptist Church in Detroit. They had one son, Henry Ford II. In 1976, Henry accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour at St. Philips Lutheran Church where he served as Elder and was a member of the choir. Whenever special projects were needed to be done at the church, the president would call Henry, and he got things done with no fanfare. Henry participated in many activities; golf being his all-time favorite. In fact, Henry started making his own set of golf clubs before he became ill. He traveled to Florida for golf lessons from golf pros; he was in Heaven! Henry enjoyed bowling and hunting in season. He would travel north on I-75 to new places to hunt. They were his go to sports. Henry’s love of music was an understatement as he enjoyed writing music and played many instruments. When it came to travel, Maui, Hawaii was his favorite spot. Henry and Barbara enjoyed their time share for 30 years. Their last big trip was to the Panama Canal, very humid but enjoyable. Henry’s parents and siblings Dorothy, Roosevelt, Jr. (Sonny), Carl, Delores, Alvin, Herbert, Sam, Kenneth, Walter, Roy and William Michael (Mickey) pre-deceased him. Henry is survived by his loving wife Barbara, devoted son Henry II, brother Charles (Frederike), sisters-in-laws Mildred Ford (Carl), Geraine Ford (Sam) and Gilda Ford (Roy). Grady in-laws include Joanne West (Alvin), Rosie Chapman, Jacqueline K. Willliams of Atlanta, GA, Donald Grady of San Diego, CA, Daniel Grady of Maui, HI, and Minnie Evans of Alliance, OH. Henry will be fondly remembered by a host of family members cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Henry Ford

August 2, 1944 - February 22, 2026