Ulysses was born January 17, 1943, in Mullins, South Carolina, to the late Noah Ford and Flossie Mae Stokes Ford-Johnson. After completing his education at Horry County Schools in South Carolina, and at the National Academy High School in Broward County, Florida, Ulysses Ford embraced a work ethic that was nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from humble beginnings in the cotton fields of South Carolina, he soon found his calling as a heavy equipment operator with Corn Brothers/Hard Away Construction, a career that spanned over 56 years. His dedication to his craft was matched only by his devotion to his faith; he was ordained in the Gospel Ministry at First Baptist of Lincoln Gardens on October 23,2005.

Rev. Ford's life was one of service, not only to his Lord, but also to his community. He was a cherished member of the male chorus at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist of Lincoln Gardens in Tampa. He served with distinction as a deacon and shared the word of God with passion and wisdom. His interests extended beyond the church walls; he was an avid singer, a lover of family gatherings and barbeques, and a fitness enthusiast who advocated for health and wellness at LA Fitness in his later years. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was watching his favorite television shows or reminiscing about his basketball days. Those who knew Reverend Ulysses Ford would describe him as a loving, faith-filled, and wise man. His life was a testament to the power of hard work, faith, and family. His legacy is not only in the structures he helped build or the sermons he delivered but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness and his unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

He was preceded in death by; son, England Alexander Wilson, Sr.; parents, Noah Ford and Flossie Mae Stokes Ford- Johnson; sister, Nora Lee Ford; brothers, Harrison Johnson, Jimmy Lee Ford, Douglas Johnson, Cornie M. "Wayne" Johnson, James Johnson, and Booker T. Ford.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: loving wife, Cassie B. Ford; children, Elton Lee Ford (Toni), Marilyn Denise Ford, Noah King Ford, Lenise Michell Ford- Brewster, Demetrious Vonshay Wilson (Denitra), England Alexander Wilson, Nathaniel Baker (Francene), and Reginald Jamieson; grandchildren, Jasmine Ford, Isaiah Ford, Samuel Ford, Catoria Eubanks, Ashton Green, Ruthie Green, Courtney Ford, Tiffany Ford, Noah Ford II, Sean Ford, Britney Ford-McCloud, Dorrell Ford, David Ford, Jocelyn Ford, Bria Doby, Jayla Brewster, Demetria Wilson, Demetrious Wilson Jr., Zion Wilson, DeMonti Wilson, Demi Wilson, England Wilson Jr., Omarion Wilson, Camron Wilson, Jaquezz Wilson, Khyree Wilson; 23 great-grandchildren; brothers, Connie Jr. Johnson (Clara), Calvin Johnson (Diana), Ricky Johnson; sisters, Mary Frances Ford, Dixie Lee (Albert) Holton, Mattie Johnson Smith, Alice Fay (Jerry) Fennie, Sarah Jean White, Carlene Harris (Reggie), Patricia Johnson Durant, Flossie Johnson (Jasper) Brisbon, Deloris Johnson-Brown, Carolyn Stokes Johnson (Elbert) Lewis, Shirley Murray; special nephew, Michael White; special niece, Lisa Holton; special goddaughter, Phyllis Andrew; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.