farragutpress

'Mr. Farragut': Town remembers second mayor, Eddy Ford

October 14, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

Defined by a lifetime of service and love for his community, Eddy Ford became a leading voice for change in the Town of Farragut. As a hardworking student, astute government official and a beloved husband, his impact left a lasting legacy for future generations.

Early Life, Education, and Military Service

Walter “Eddy” Edward Ford passed away at the age of 87 at his home in Farragut on Tuesday, Oct. 6. A lifelong resident of the community, Ford attended Farragut High School alongside his childhood sweetheart, Linda, whom he married in 1960. He served as valedictorian for the class of 1957, played varsity football and basketball and was widely popular.

Prior to his extensive career in local government, Ford served two years of active duty as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, worked as a construction engineer for the Atomic Energy Commission and spent many years refereeing local high school football games. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nuclear engineering from the University of Tennessee and dedicated 33 years to the computational physics and engineering division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory before retiring. Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Ford and his wife were active members of Concord United Methodist Church.

Entry into Local Governance

Ford began his formal involvement in municipal leadership in 1980 when he ran for South Ward alderman. In his campaign materials, Ford highlighted his deep concern for Farragut's future as a lifetime resident, emphasized the Town's formative period and presented a vital opportunity for citizens to participate directly in local democratic government.

Following his election, Ford sat alongside Town co-founders on the inaugural Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Though he was not involved in the initial incorporation of the town, he adapted quickly to municipal governance. Drawing on the influence of his mother, a schoolteacher, Ford possessed a strong command of the English language and routinely reviewed proposed ordinances to correct grammatical errors and structural flaws. He later served as vice mayor under Farragut's first mayor, Bob Leonard.

Mayoral Leadership and Fiscal Stewardship

In 1993, Ford assumed the office of mayor, a position he held for 16 years. His full tenure as an elected official spanned from 1980 to 2011, establishing him as the longest-serving elected official in Farragut history — a record that will stand due to modern term limits. Throughout his 31 years of leadership, Ford maintained a strict fiscal policy centered on avoiding town debt, insisting that municipal operations and community projects be funded entirely on a cash basis without borrowing.

Under his stewardship as alderman and mayor, Farragut’s population expanded from approximately 6,000 residents in 1980 to around 21,000 by 2010. Despite this substantial growth, Ford successfully managed Town operations without introducing a municipal property tax. His administrative involvement also extended beyond local boundaries as he chaired state boards guiding regional transportation and resource policy, helping allocate state and federal grant funds through organizations such as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization.

Administrative Style and Community Impact

Colleagues and Town staff remembered Ford as an easygoing, fair and attentive leader who prioritized listening to residents and translating their priorities directly into local legislation and ordinances. He was notably supportive of municipal employees, routinely praising the Public Works crew for their dedication. In addition to his own duties, Ford actively encouraged community involvement, bringing residents into local governance through appointments to advisory bodies like the Development Process Review Board.

Local developers and business owners viewed Ford as a balanced leader who treated homeowners and commercial interests with equal fairness. On a regional level, municipal leaders in the Tennessee Municipal League and National League of Cities held Ford in high regard, frequently expressing admiration for Farragut's ability to thrive without a property tax. Among his contributions to local heritage, Ford and his wife personally traveled north to retrieve historical artifacts that laid the foundation for the Town museum's collection.

Tributes and Legacy

At the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Oct. 8, Mayor Alex Cain formally announced Ford’s passing and reflected on his foundational vision for the Town. Local officials, former aldermen, legal counsel and community members expressed gratitude for Ford’s decades of voluntary, unpaid leadership and lasting commitment to building and guiding the Town of Farragut.