Salem University Athletics

Ora Ford, a native of Big Battle, West Virginia, graduated from Salem College in 1959 with a double major in Business Administration and Physical Education. He was a four-year letterman in football and baseball, and lettered once in basketball. While he was completing his degree, Ford was a student assistant coach for football, served as the President of the Yanks, and served on many other organizations during his years at Salem.
 
He served as a squad leader and eventual Sergeant for the Army National Guard during the Korean War. He was an Assistant Dean of Physical Education at Salem College before becoming the principal of Doddridge High School, a position he held for over 20 years.
 
Ford was married to his wife of 59 years, Mary Jane Ford, and they had four children together, Gary, Gwen, Greg, and Gayl. Ford passed away at his home on January 26, 2015 at the age of 81.