Sylvester Ford Sr.'s remarkable career as a teacher and basketball coach was a journey through dedication and passion for sports and education, spanning over four decades, predominantly in the Memphis area. Born on January 20, 1937, his career began at Oakhaven High School in 1968, marking the start of an era that would significantly impact high school basketball in Tennessee.

Ford's coaching path saw him imparting his knowledge and skills at Tech High School and Memphis Northside High School, before making his longest tenure at Fairley High School in 1987. At Fairley, he served as the head basketball coach until his retirement in 2012. During these years, Ford's coaching philosophy and tactics led to an impressive collection of 687 wins, underpinning his status as a venerable figure in high school basketball.

The pinnacle of his career came in 1993 when Ford's Fairley team produced a nearly flawless season, with a record of 37-1, culminating in winning the TSSAA State Championship in Class AAA. This victory not only exemplified Ford's coaching acumen but also highlighted his contribution to fostering excellence in high school sports within the TSSAA.

Adding a personal touch to his professional achievements, his son, Deuce Ford, an All-American on the 1993 championship team, followed in his father's footsteps to become the head coach at Fairley. Demonstrating unwavering commitment to the game and his community, Ford continued to contribute to Fairley High School's basketball program as a volunteer assistant coach for his son post-retirement.

In 2014, Ford's legacy was immortalized when the gymnasium at Fairley High School was renamed in his honor, a fitting tribute to a coach who had given so much to the TSSAA and high school sports. His induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2017 served as a crowning acknowledgment of his service to Tennessee's athletic community—a career marked by inspiration, achievement, and enduring influence on countless young athletes.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2017
Category: Coach