Obituaries

Ken departed this life for his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Carillon Assisted Living in Lincolnton.

Ken, formerly of 317 Mellwood Drive, Charlotte and, for the past 5 years, 2404 E. Highway 150, Lincolnton fought a courageous and long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ken and Milly June Chaffin met in school at Lincolnton High. They married shortly after graduation. Every day Ken sang the lyrics, “Just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you” to Milly and, showered her with love. Ken always referred to Milly as “Baby Girl.” Ken and Milly celebrated their 49^th anniversary in February.

Ken joined Overnite Transportation shortly after high school and remained there for 38 years. After several years of service in Chattanooga, Ken was offered the opportunity of returning to NC and Ken and Milly chose Charlotte to be the place where they would remain and raise their two sons, Chip and Steve. Ken wanted to remain close to family and old friends and decided not to take promotions that would have required relocating.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Gaston C. Hord who shared Ken’s love of all things sports and loved and adored his sons and grandsons. His mother, Ruth Lanier Clark, also preceded him in death. Ken was blessed with a younger brother, Mark Clark, and they were true and genuine friends throughout Ken’s life.

During their 40 years in the Coulwood Community, Ken and Milly’s home was a favorite gathering spot for all who entered their door. As their sons grew, Ken coached many Little League Teams, swim club teams and some of his teams went on to championship level. All his spare time went into making sure Coulwood remained a vibrant and active community.

Even after his health started to decline he made sure he continued his routine of returning all waste containers to the homes on his street and making sure everyone’s newspaper was placed outside their door. 

Ken will most be remembered for his great humor and ease of ability to make all those around him keep smiles on their faces. You would always have a smile on your face when Ken was around or you would have tears from always laughing so hard.

Ken’s greatest desire in life was to always make sure his family had a wonderful life. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Millie Chaffin Hord; son Kenneth L. (Chip) Hord, Jr. (Kara Barton) and granddaughter Addison Elizabeth Hord; son Steven Derek Hord (Melanie Moore Hord) and granddaughter Abby Jane Hord and grandson Derek James Hord; brother Mark Clark (Karen) and nephews Matt and Jordan; the entire Chaffin families.

Receiving of friends will be held from 1:00 until 1:45 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Warlick Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 pm in the

Warlick Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The Hord family wishes to thank the staff and dedicated workers of Carillon Assisted Living for the love and special care given to Ken. Thank you also to Joy Barrett and her entire staff for their great compassion and special care through Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

Warlick Funeral Home is serving the Hord family.