Ford Quillen Obituary

Ford C. Quillen

January 18, 2026

KINGSPORT - The Honorable Ford C. Quillen (Ret.) passed away on January 18, 2026, while residing at Preston Place II, Kingsport, TN.

Ford had a long and respected career as an attorney, practicing in Gate City, Va., for many years, and later appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in Scott County. His judicial knowledge and professional demeanor were respected by many in the legal field. Ford also was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, serving from 1970 to 1993. While in the legislature, Ford served as chairperson on many important committees. He was widely regarded across the state as a successful and tireless advocate for advancing progress and growth in Southwest Virginia. Ford was viewed as a politician who worked for all Southwest Virginia citizens and across party lines, having many friends and colleagues from both political parties.

Ford will most be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, and husband. He rarely missed a sporting event or other activities his grandchildren were involved in.

Ford attended Gate City High School, Fork Union Military Academy, and the University of Tennessee. While attending Gate City High School, Ford was coached by the late Harry Fry and was one of the first players during that time to be awarded a Division 1 football scholarship. Ford went on to play football at the University of Tennessee. After completing his undergraduate degree at Tennessee, he and his wife Gail moved to Germany, where he was commissioned in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he returned to the University of Tennessee to attend Law School and later joined his father, Cecil Quillen, to practice law in Scott County.

Ford is preceded in death by his father, Cecil Dyer Quillen; his mother, Mary Louise Carter Quillen; and by his wife of more than 60 years, Gail Quillen, whom he met and fell in love with while both were attending the University of Tennessee. He is survived by his daughters, Madre Forsha (Mike Thomas), Carter Brown (Thomas Joseph Brown), and Lenoir McClung (Marcus McClung); grandchildren, Kristopher Forsha (Margaret Forsha), Anna McClung Ray (Nolan Ray), Mac McClung, Cam McClung, Connor Brown (Caroline Brown), and Patrick Brown; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Cecil Dyer Quillen, Jr. (Vicey Quillen); niece and nephew, Ann Quillen Macaulay (Alexander Macaulay) and Cecil Dyer QuillenIII (Mary Quillen); and several beloved cousins.

Ford will be remembered for his love of life, generous spirit, and his desire to help his community, region, and state. His major priorities while in the legislature included transportation and higher education. He studied disparities in education and was a key contributor to the establishment of the Virginia Higher Education Center. He spearheaded the creation of Highway 72 known as the Veterans Memorial Highway. Natural Tunnel State Park was close to his heart, and he worked tirelessly to make it better for everyone who visited.

Most of all, he will be remembered for his wonderful personality, boundless energy, and love of life.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful and caring staff at Preston Place II, as well as the Gentiva Hospice nursing staff and Gentiva chaplain Steven Spell. The family will always be grateful for their care and devotion.

Due to the upcoming weather forecast, Funeral Service arrangements are postponed and will be updated at www.gatecityfunerals.com as soon as possible.

Pallbearers will be Mike Thomas, Kris Forsha, T.J. Brown, Connor Brown, Marcus McClung, Mac McClung, Cam McClung, and Nolan Ray.

Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Brown, Cecil D Quillen Jr, Cecil D QuillenIII Jim Thornton, Dr. Jerry Miller and The Honorable Charles (Butch) Flannagan.(Ret), and James Addington.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ford Carter Quillen.