Ernie Ford was surprised to see some of his friends show up with a birthday cake and decorations because he forgot it was his birthday.
Ford, who owns and has been operating the Way-Oma Motel for the past 45 years was pleasantly surprised.
“There’s no need to do this,” he stated.
But it was obvious he appreciated the thoughtfulness of his friends.
Ford, born June 14, 1926 in Ford Valley, which is south Knoxville has lived in Seymour most of his life with the exception of spending a few years in Michigan.
When Ford was seven years old, both is parents died from pneumonia leaving him and his five year old sister with his grandfather and step-grandmother.
Ford attended Young High School in the 10930’s. Following high school, he joined the Army and fought in World War II.
When the war was over, he returned to Tennessee, attended the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1948.
Chrysler Corporation hired him to work in Michigan. Michigan was his home for 30 years. Some of those years Ford was in business with his brother in laws, Don Floyd and his brothers.
In 1978 Ford returned home to Tennessee and purchased the Way-Oma Motel where he’s lived ever since.

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