CONWAY — Clifton “Clif” Phillip Ford,

63, of Conway, Ark., passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, following complications from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Martha, his mother, Billie, his son, Daniel (Rachel), his brother, Dan (Lynn), his father-in-law, Dale Basham, his niece, Monica Ardoin (Chad), his beloved Jack

Russell terriers, Cadie and Sadie, and many other cousins, nieces, and relatives. He is predeceased by his father, Dan, and his mother-in-law, Katie.

Clif faithfully served the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., as a pastor for nearly forty years in Fort Smith, Conway, and Alma, always making sure to begin his sermons with a joke. He touched countless lives through his counsel and through his officiating of baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Over the years he also worked as the Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas and at the University of Central Arkansas, among other jobs. The common thread with these jobs was his unceasing desire to help others. He loved reading, the Dallas Cowboys, and most of all, his family, for whom he was a constant source of strength and laughter.

There will be no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Humane Society of Faulkner County. In a prayer written the week of his death, Clif wrote that “where there is darkness, light comes with its comfort and confidence and cause for celebration.” Amen, and Hallelujah, for a life beautifully lived. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home, 1134 Main Street, Vilonia, Ark., 72173. Sign the online guestbook at: www.viloniafuneralhome.com.