Mike Ford

Mike Ford (1951–2025): Skeet Shooter, Unicyclist, Beverly Hillbillies Scholar, and Lifelong Moe. Mike Ford, 74, took his final shot at life and—true to form—hit it dead center. He passed away peacefully, presumably because Heaven needed someone who could shoot clays, wrangle falcons, and tell a killer joke all at the same time. Born in 1951, Mike came into this world ready to do things his way. That included winning a bronze medal in skeet shooting at the 1968 Olympics—because apparently silver was just too mainstream. A proud Mason and lifelong Gideon, he balanced deep faith with deep belly laughs. He had a moral compass, but it also pointed toward the golf course on most weekdays. He was also a Moe. Nobody quite knows what a Moe is, but you definitely know one when you see one. Mike embodied the Moe spirit with a mix of wisdom, sarcasm, and the kind of grin that made you suspicious (in a good way). As he passes on, he leaves the torch in the capable—if questionably responsible—hands of the remaining Moes. May they carry on his legacy with wit, wild ideas, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Mike was many things: a father, a friend, a falconer (yes, with real birds), and a man who once rode a unicycle through Switzerland just to prove the Alps were more fun with a little wobble. He believed in strong coffee, questionable jokes, and that The Beverly Hillbillies was the pinnacle of American culture—he was probably right. He leaves behind his family, several confused falcons, a set of golf clubs with names, and a DVR still 78% full of Beverly Hillbillies reruns. We assume his last words were something witty and inappropriate, but unfortunately, no one wrote them down. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held soon, complete with inappropriate toasts, lawn chairs, and possibly a unicycle tribute (helmets required). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local skeet shooting range, falconry club, or rerun preservation society. And remember—if you hear a faint “Y’all come back now, ya hear?” on the wind, that’s just Mike, making sure we’re still laughing... and watching the Moes. RIP BMF