This could easily go in either football or basketball thread but since he was a Mayfield star where football is the favorite I placed it here where more Mayfield members frequent

 

Mayfield has a very long list of great athletes and often it is debated as who is the best ever. One of the first names that is always mentioned is Joe Ford. Ford was a 2 time all state football player, 2 time all American in basketball and all time leading scorer with over 2,500 points. He also holds the Cardinals all time batting average of .475. At Vandy he was a 4 year basketball starter and member of the famed Vandy F Troop that won the SEC title in 1974. Some UK fans may recall him beating UK by 1 point in 1973 when he hit 2 free throws for the 1 point win after being fouled on the last play of the game. He scored 1,193 points at Vandy and averaged 16 points a game his senior season and was 3rd Team All SEC. He also led Vandy is assist 3 of his 4 years there and was the Vandy team captain his junior and senior years. He was also a part of 2 SEC baseball championship teams at Vandy.

 

Joe left his home Tues morning and was reported missing when he did not return. DOT workers called the McCracken County Sheriff's Office Thurs morning and reported seeing tire marks left in the grass off I 24. A deputy found the wrecked vehicle on its side out of site from the interstate on the bank Of Clarks River with Ford deceased in the vehicle.

 

Besides being a incredible athlete, Ford is noted for his generosity, especially with the kids at Mayfield and Tilghman where he has volunteered his time helping the kids his entire life. He is widely regarded in Mayfield as the schools #1 ambassador. The local paper had a story about Ford today and it nailed it calling his life a "life well lived"

 

West Kentucky Star - Sports

 

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2017/06/23/once-commodore-always-family-remembering-joe-ford/424730001/

Hugh loss to the community and by all accounts a great person and ambassador.

 

I remember watching him in the early '70s playing wide receiver for Mayfield and on the receiving end of passes from future pro David Fowler. And of course remembering him playing basketball at Vanderbilt.

RIP.

What a man. How sad.

 

RIP Joe

Joe was the greatest Cardinal. He was a hero to me when I was a young boy. I even rooted for Vandy against Kentucky when they played in that era. He helped out many young people around here both academically and sports wise. He always had a positive outlook. He will be greatly missed.

So sorry to hear of this loss.

 

Praying for the family and community.

F Troop = Fieher, Fosnes and Ford........someone help me out on the spelling, please.

F Troop = Fieher, Fosnes and Ford........someone help me out on the spelling, please.

 

F Troop

 

Joe Ford

Butch Feher

Jeff Fosnes

Lee Fowler

Rod Freeman

 

Coached by Roy Skinner

That recruiting class is still considered to be the best class Vandy has ever had

F Troop

 

Joe Ford

Butch Feher

Jeff Fosnes

Lee Fowler

Rod Freeman

 

Coached by Roy Skinner

That recruiting class is still considered to be the best class Vandy has ever had

I didn't know it went down to Fowler and Freeman. I thought it was just a 3-member troop.

I didn't know it went down to Fowler and Freeman. I thought it was just a 3-member troop.

 

Actually me either but I saw a article yesterday that included those 2. That is the only time I have ever seen those 2 mentioned

Edited June 26, 20179 yr by ColonelCrazy
Fixed Quote Box

So heartbreaking, such a huge loss for everyone that knew Joe. Prayers for the family.

Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and community. He obviously made a huge impact and will be remembered for a long time.

Was he Mr Football or Basketball? What an athletic!