Monte B Ford's Obituary
Monte B. Ford, 81, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2016. He was born in Rensselaer, IN on April 30, 1935 to loving parents Florence L. and Kenneth L. Ford Sr. He grew up in a small town in Indiana where his father had the first automobile dealership, and thus his love of people and salesmanship was born. Upon graduating high school, he attended college at Indiana University which didn’t last long… His heart was driven to sell cars with his dad and that’s just what he did. His success in business then led to working with Charlie Halleck, a U.S. House of Rep. minority leader. Monte learned so much from him and was grateful for such a wonderful opportunity and experience. Charlie Halleck had an impact on his life and future endeavors.
Pursuing his love of sales, he began working at National Homes Corp., in Ohio, Indiana, and Mississippi which gave him the knowledge and drive to begin his own building business in the sunshine state. Spring Hill was a small retirement community when Monte first moved to the area in 1974. He saw the potential for opportunity and growth and as a result started his building business, Pine Aire Homes. Pine Aire was known for building wood frame homes in an area that only knew block construction. People quickly realized their slogan “quality with the warmth of wood” was exactly what they built. Through his strong sense of knowledge, persistence, and endearing personality, he quickly became a pillar of the community and trusted businessman.
He married the love of his life Emma Jane Selby on January 1, 1955 and together they raised 2 beautiful daughters. He couldn’t have been the success that he was without the strong presence of his loving wife by his side. They worked together as a devoted team for nearly 40 years alongside their eldest daughter Kim. He always said his wife was his “rock” and it couldn’t be done without her.
Monte was a Mason & a Shriner for over fifty years and enjoyed helping and supporting organizations and people throughout his life. He never met a stranger, always giving and lending a hand to those in need. His love of laughter was his greatest asset. His sparkling personality could surely light up a room with just his presence.
Monte was a true outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish, and was an avid golfer. He won many tournaments at Curtis Creek Country Club in Rensselaer, Indiana and even thought about pursuing a career as a professional golfer. In addition to his love of the outdoors, he also was an animal lover and served as President of the SPCA of Hernando County for two years. He could often be seen driving his golf cart with his beloved “Rags” by his side.
Monte is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Emma Jane Ford and two children, Kimberly A. Schuler (Danny), Stacey A. Foote (Scott), both residents of Spring Hill, FL, three grandchildren: Nicole Bugliaro (Schuler), Monte Schuler, and Katelyn Foote, as well as three great grandchildren: Alexa, Ashlyne, and Averee. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth L. Ford Jr.
At the suggestion of the family, donations may be given to HPH Hospice of Brooksville, FL. http://www.hph-hospice.org/donations-special-gifts
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