Edsel Martin Ford

Edsel Martin “Marty” Ford, 68, of Albany, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Phoebe Putney Hospital from complications following surgery. No services will be held at this time.

Marty was born on October 11, 1957, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital to the late Hubert and Myrtle Ford. He grew up in Albany and graduated from Dougherty High School in 1975. As a young man, Marty was employed with the Florida State Prison System, before eventually returning to Albany and working at Procter and Gamble for several years. After Procter and Gamble, he joined his father at the family business, Ford’s Barber Shop, and worked as a barber and managed the shop for more than 30 years. 

Marty loved country music and was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for several bands both in the Albany area as well as Kentucky. He started a band when he was young, and like his father and siblings, he enjoyed music all of his life. His favorite singer was Merle Haggard. Marty loved riding motorcycles, shooting pool, and NASCAR. “The Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. 

He had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick to tell you a joke; he knew hundreds from his years of working in the barber shop. Marty enjoyed playing baseball when he was young and was a childhood friend of former MLB star Ray Knight. Marty also served as a youth coach and was an avid Braves fan. 

Marty was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Letchworth Ford. 

Survivors include his son, Barry Melton (Rachaelle) and his seven grandchildren: Savannah, John, Jakob, Arabella, Teagan, Hattie and Jameson Melton. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Ford.