July 22, 2025

Amarillo High School Mourns the Loss of Distinguished Alumnus

News Summary

The community of Amarillo High School remembers Bobbie Lee Ford, a dedicated alumnus and prominent architect, who passed away peacefully at the age of 89. His significant contributions to architecture and his passion for community engagement have left a lasting impact. Graduating in 1954, Ford’s legacy continues through his work and family, influencing future generations. A celebration of his life is scheduled for August as loved ones honor his memory and contributions.

Georgetown, Texas – Bobbie Lee Ford, a notable Amarillo High School graduate and distinguished architect, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 12, 2025, at the age of 89. His contributions to architecture and community, alongside his passion for family, have left a profound impact on those who knew him.

Born on November 24, 1935, in Amarillo, Texas, Bob Ford was the youngest son of Charles and Georgia Ford. He was proud to identify as a “West Texas farm boy,” and throughout his life, he embraced a dream of traveling the world. His journey began early as he worked at the Margaret Will Cafeteria at the age of 11, where he earned not only a paycheck but also free lunch and unlimited ice cream.

Bob graduated from Amarillo High School in 1954, where he showed great promise as an athlete in both baseball and football. After a year at Amarillo Junior College, he transitioned to Texas Tech University, where he quickly improved his skills in tennis, progressing from last place to earning third in the Texas State finals. He was involved in campus life as a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Saddle Tramps, a Texas Tech spirit group.

Ford graduated from Texas Tech in 1960 with dual degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering and married Kathryn Louise White the same year at the First United Methodist Church in Lubbock. His initial career began at Texas Tech, where he played a significant role in designing key campus structures, including the Communications Building and the Agricultural Building. He also engineered the iconic “bubble” over the Tech Rec Center pool.

In 1963, Bob welcomed his first daughter, Julie Elizabeth Sandifer, followed by another daughter, Jana Alison Muntsinger, in 1966. In 1968, he accepted a position with the Walter Moore architecture firm in Houston, where he contributed to the design of several rides at AstroWorld and was involved in the construction of the AstroDome. A significant shift in his life occurred during a local revival in Houston in July 1969, when he became a Christian.

Ford returned to Lubbock in 1971, reconnecting with his roots and starting his own architecture firm. He embraced his faith and inscribed Proverbs 3:16 on his business card. His firm designed a variety of buildings, including homes, medical facilities, and car dealerships. Following his separation from Kathryn, he moved to Austin to focus on designing additional car dealerships, including Henna Chevrolet.

In 1986, Bob married Carolyn Tapp Waddle, creating a blended family that brought him joy. He later concluded his technical career designing specialized computer chip “clean rooms” for Motorola, which took him to various locations around Texas, Arizona, Scotland, France, and even China. After retirement, he enjoyed directing “Camp Poppy” for his 12 grandchildren and indulging in various hobbies, such as studying Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural designs, creating stained glass art, teaching Sunday School, and collecting nutcrackers.

Bob Ford is survived by his wife, Carolyn Tapp Waddle Ford, and five children: Julie, Jana, David, Karen, and Douglas. He was also a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for August 2, 2025, at The Wesleyan in Georgetown. In honor of his legacy, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Lt. Col. Joseph “Jay” Parsley Endowed Scholarship at Texas Tech University.

Ford’s life was marked by his commitment to architecture, vibrant community involvement, and dedication to his family, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by friends, family, and colleagues alike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.