Chester " Sam" Ford, age 73, of Ladybug Lane, Vale, a former resident of Watauga County, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013, Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton.

Mr. Ford was born April 18, 1939 in Watauga County, a son of the late Lawerence Otto Ford and Luner Church Ford. He was a cattle farmer on his own farm.

Mr. Ford is survived by three daughters, Debbie Trivette and husband Jerry of Blowing Rock, Joy Ford of Vale, and Chubby Craig and husband Steve of Blowing Rock; one son, Bud Ford and wife Marty of Boone; one granddaughter, Misty Potter of Vale; two grandsons, Wayne Trivette and wife Brittney, and Michael Trivette and wife Leslie, all of Boone, and one brother, Pete Ford and wife Faye of Boone. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Conger Ford; and two granddaughters, Misty Trivette and Rebecca Lynn Triplett.

Funeral services for Chester "Sam" Ford will be conducted Sunday evening, February 17, 2013, at 8:00 PM, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock. Officiating will be The Reverend Dr. Don Just and Mr. Harold Jefferies. Private graveside services and burial will take place Monday morning.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Ford family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.