Civil Engineering Alumnus and Professor Miller Ford Passes Away at 92

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Miller Clell Ford, Jr.

Professor emeritus and alumnus Miller Ford, 92, passed away peacefully in his Fayetteville home on March 26, 2021.

Ford earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering at the U of A. After receiving his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, Ford came back to teach at the U of A until he retired in 1992.

"Miller was a consummate teacher; whether in the classroom, the lab or the hallway, he loved sharing his knowledge with his students," said Kevin Hall, a former student and current professor and associate dean of research. "I always admired — and try to emulate — his ability to talk with a variety of audiences. Miller could just as easily talk the intricacies of asphalt materials with high-level colleagues as explaining how a pavement is built in a non-engineer public meeting. For many, many years when you thought of 'asphalt pavements' and 'Arkansas,' you thought 'Miller Ford.' He had a lasting, profound impact not just at the university, but on the entire industry throughout the state."

Ford was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, on March 24, 1929. He graduated from high school and began his higher education at Arkansas Tech University. He transferred to the U of A in 1952 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

Ford began his professional career working for Chance Vought Aeronautics in Dallas, Texas. In 1955, Ford entered the U.S. Navy and served stateside and in Okinawa, Japan. He applied his engineering skills in the Seabees during the Korean War. He continued to serve his country until 1979.

He married Peggy Rison on Feb. 4, 1961. The couple settled in Fayetteville, and Ford earned his master's degree in civil engineering from the U of A. Soon after earning his master's, he began teaching at his alma mater. In 1973, he earned his doctorate in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University, and then taught civil engineering at the U of A until his retirement in 1992.

"Miller Ford was a senior faculty member when I came to the university in 1984," said Bob Elliot, an emeritus University Professor and former department head of civil engineering from 1991 to 2005.

Elliot said, "From day one, I recognized that he was a dedicated teacher who had deep concerns for his students. He clearly was also very devoted to his family, deeply loving his wife and children. Dr. Ford and I had similar professional and research interests. As a result, we collaborated on some of my early research efforts."

Ford was a dedicated teacher, husband and father. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church and the Asbury Sunday School class for more than 50 years. In retirement, he enjoyed hunting, traveling, boating on Beaver Lake and cheering for the Razorback women's basketball team. Ford donated his body to science.

A full obituary is available in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.