Mark Glenn Ford, age 73, of 389 Pine Branch Road passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home after a three-and-a-half-year courageous battle against cancer.

Mark was the son of Marion Glenn Ford and Brooke Stanbery Ford. He attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a teaching degree in Industrial Arts. He taught Industrial Arts at Watauga High School for two years. Mark began his career in construction in 1976 and was a founding partner of two different construction companies prior to founding his own company, Mark G. Ford Construction, Inc. in May 2000. For the last 26 years, he prided himself on providing his customers with the highest quality products while showing more concern for their interests than his own. Homes throughout Watauga County display his excellent craftsmanship.

Mark loved his family and friends. He was fiercely loyal and devoted to their well-being. He was a man known for his integrity and honesty. He valued hard work and demonstrated that on a daily basis even as he continued to take cancer treatments. Mark spent many happy hours on his farm working with his cattle. It was not unusual to find him on a tractor in the hayfield after a day's work on a jobsite. For more than a decade, he found great pleasure in traveling and watching his granddaughter, Lauren, compete in swimming all the way from club swimming to the University of Kentucky.

Mark was a life-long member of Laurel Spring Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on multiple church committees. He volunteered on a weekly basis tutoring children at the church. He was a supporter of local and church missions, both financially and with his time.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Lentz Ford; a daughter, Erin Ford Patterson and husband John; and a granddaughter, Lauren Patterson, all of Boone. Mark had a special aunt, Betty Hughes and husband Doug of Boone. He is also survived by a nephew and several nieces.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Rebecca Ford Barkley and Marian Jean Ford.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held in the Laurel Springs Baptist Church fellowship hall on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm where the family will welcome stories, laughter, and fellowship to celebrate Mark's life. A private burial will occur at the Laurel Springs Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or to Laurel Springs Baptist Church Children's Ministry, 7504 US-421, Deep Gap, NC 28618.

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

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