Paducah mourns passing of philanthropist Bill Ford, 85

Paducah interior designer and philanthropist Bill Ford passed away Tuesday at the age of 85.

Ford was a nationally recognized interior designer and worked with many prominent organizations and celebrities.

Ford was also a tireless promoter and philanthropist for Paducah. Known for wearing his trademark bow tie, Ford used them as opportunity to raise funds for Paducah area charities. He founded “Beaux Tie Day” and requested his friends use his May 7th birthday each year to donate to a charity. May 7th was declared Beaux Tie Day by Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless, and was recognized in 2021 by Governor Beshear.

In 2015, Ford illustrated a series of coloring books featuring the Robert Dafford floodwall murals. The books were sold to commemorate the 20th year of the murals and raise funds for their maintenance.

He was a consummate volunteer, donating his works and his time to give art and calligraphy lessons.

Organizations which benefitted from Ford's charitable efforts include The Paducah Symphony Orchestra, The Carson Performing Arts Center, NAACP, Yeiser Art Center, Market House Theatre, Merryman House, Child Watch, Beyond Uganda, West KY Community and Technical College School of Art and Design and nearly every elementary and high school in the Paducah area. 

A memorial funeral mass will be held at 11 A.M. next Tuesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the parish hall following the funeral.

Bill Ford obituary


Bill Ford admires children's drawings during a charity event at the Yeiser Art Center in 2018. Ford passed away Tuesday at the age of 85.  (Yeiser Art Center Facebook)