John David "Johnny" Ford, 58 of Leonardtown, MD was lost to us on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Washington Hospital Center after a brief illness. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Johnny is loved and missed by his children, Johnny Jr. and Jake, his long time partner Samantha, brothers, Tom, Dan, Bud, and Billy, sister, Kelly and his step-dad, Bill Shubert.

He was the third child of the late C.A. "Stake" Ford, Sr. and Beverly M. Shubert.

In his position as County Ambassador, he traveled far and wide, spreading goodwill and bad jokes. A man of independent means, he was able to travel fairly extensively, having breached the peace and tranquility of such places as Cancun, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Aruba, Cozomel, Key West and the Bahamas. He might be the only person asked to not return to Disney World.

Johnny was a pitcher of dubious talent and was a member of our county's Softball Hall of Fame. He was twice named Sportsman of the Year.

A man with a bad hip, he would dance every set effortlessly. To have a party, cookout or blowout was to be the end result of any endeavor.

His ability to spout useless trivia was a direct result of watching endless Jeopardy reruns. A generous man, anyone could get anything he had.

He was a life-long resident of St. Mary's County, a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, Talent Scout, and Indian Scout. He'd lead a parade or follow one with a shovel.

John David "Johnny" Ford, you will always be remembered and loved. Losing you hurts us all.

Zipper's Bucksnort # was 155.

Family will receive friends for Johnny's Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.