William Croom Fordham

William "Bill" Croom Fordham,  80 years young, left his earthly home in Crestwood, KY early on Thursday morning, November 19, 2020 and entered into eternal rest in his heavenly home. Born in Washington, DC on March 26, 1940 to the late Jefferson Barnes Fordham and Rebecca Norwood Fordham, he was the second son of their two children.

After living in DC,NY,NC,LA,TN,OH and PA, Bill graduated high school in Philadelphia. He soon enlisted in the Army and was lucky enough to be sent to Germany where he served as Military Police. While stationed in Heidleberg, he took advantage of his leave time and toured all over Europe. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he started his college education in NC and finished it in Utah. Throughout the years he kept improving his education taking courses of interest to him.

After traveling around the USA with an Army buddy, Bill ended up in Charlotte, NC to see his brother. It was there in November 1965 that he met the love of his life Mildred Davis, who swept him off his feet. They were married in July 1966, and it hit him he was going to have to get a JOB! His career got started with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co, and after numerous years with them, he transitioned to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. to complete his working career before retiring early. 

It was in January 1976 when they received a priceless gift. They welcomed with open arms, the adoption of their precious six week-old baby daughter. It quickly became apparent, Mom was in trouble. She had Daddy Bill wrapped around her tiny little finger....... and she never let go of it!!!

While he adored his family, sports were always a passion for him, especially golf, as his father got him started at the early age as a pre-teen, but, yet Dad marveled when he got beaten by his "kid".  With constant playing all over the country. Bill was building skills to become a scratch golfer. Once his loving wife realized she would need to play golf to spend more time with him, she secretly took golf lessons to surprise him. They particularly enjoyed playing most all the courses in Myrtle Beach, SC each fall. Another family passion was traveling , extensively here and abroad. He always said "flying is  for the birds", as he preferred driving so he could stop whenever and wherever he chose. The last family trip was recently for three weeks with island hopping the Hawaiian Islands. Determined to see it all, there were no roads left untraveled. When it came to football, he was an Ohio Buckeye fan through and through.

Preceding Bill in death, in  addition to his parents, was his best friend and brother and only sibling Robert Norwood Fordham, in December 2008, in Georgia. Others were all His uncles, aunts, and cousins, along with numerous in-laws. Not to be left out, were  his two four-legged fur babies, Precious and Montana.

Left to cherish his memories are the loves of his life, his loving wife of 54-1/2 years., Mildred Davis Fordham(Millie), and his only child who was the apple of his eye, his adorable and much loved daughter Jennifer Ann Fordham. And a four-legged mini Boston Terrier--Lilly Ann! In addition are numerous inlaws on the Davis side, and two nieces and two grand-nieces and two grand-nephews on the Fordham side.

We give thanks to Hosparus of Louisville and their dedicated team who assisted Bill the last several months with his in-home health care. When asking him how he was feeling, the answer was always "I'm just dandy!"

Having accepted Jesus as his Savior as an adult, and being of the Baptist faith, just imagine him arriving at Heaven's Pearly Gates at sunrise, and being greeted by Jesus saying :Welcome home, and how are you feeling?"  Without hesitation I am sure Bill said "NOW,  I'M JUST FINE AND DANDY!"  And probably followed it up with " Where do I sign up for the next tee time?"!!!

Local visitation is PRIVATE.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm, Tuesday Novemebr 24th, 2020 in Gordon Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00pm until 1:45pm at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904  Lancaster Ave,  Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

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