Clifton Buford Ford, II

Cliff Ford, 93, passed away August 9, 2026. He was born January 29, 1933, to Letitia Ford and C.B. Ford Sr. in Batesville, AR, and graduated from Batesville High School in 1949 at age 16.

He graduated from the National Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, D.C., and also served as a United States Senate Page. He attended Arkansas College, the University of Arkansas, the University of Missouri, and the University of Tulsa.

His distinguished broadcasting career included work at KNBY, KRMG, KSWO, KBTA, and KLRA, along with two years of service in the United States Army at the Fort Sill radio station. While at KLRA, Cliff gained widespread attention by broadcasting for eight days and nights from atop a flagpole at the Fair Park Municipal Swimming Pool in Little Rock, broadcasting live and spinning records for listeners below. Cliff is credited with bringing rock 'n' roll and the first traffic helicopter to Little Rock's airwaves.

He later served as general manager and vice president of Victor Broadcasting. In 1974, he purchased KMYO in Little Rock and KIKS in Lake Charles, Louisiana, then later acquired KWNN AM 1050 in Little Rock.

Cliff expanded beyond radio and owned Dynamic Productions, Western Front Publishing, Lion’s Head Publishing, and led tours to the holy land. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio program Weekend Review, co-hosted the television program International Intelligence Briefing, and authored Blood, Money, & Greed.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, constant companion, and devoted caregiver, Peggy Ford of Hot Springs Village; his son, Lance Ford of Bryant; his daughter, Teri Kaiser of Hot Springs; and his grandchildren, Layne Fleming, Eric (Libby) Morris, Megan Callaway, Jaccob (Courtney) Morris, and Sable (Tyler) Ellison.

He will be dearly missed and remembered for his resounding voice, creativity, determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and remarkable life in broadcasting and publishing. A graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com