Quick Info
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Name | Gerald Ford |
| Current Age | 93 (at the time of death) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1913 |
| Date of Death | December 26, 2006 |
| Place of Birth | Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Leslie Lynch King, Jr. and Dorothy Ayer Gardner |
| Spouse | Betty Ford |
| Children | Michael, John, Steven, and Susan Ford |
| Net Worth (2024) | $7 million |
| Source of Wealth | Politics |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Notable Works | 38th President of the United States, Pardoning Richard Nixon, Helsinki Accords |
Early Life and Education
Born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, Gerald Ford was originally named Leslie Lynch King, Jr. His parents, Leslie Lynch King, Sr. and Dorothy Ayer Gardner, divorced when he was just a baby. His mother later married Gerald R. Ford, after whom he was renamed. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford showed early promise in academics and athletics.
Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he excelled in football and earned a degree in economics. He then went on to Yale Law School, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class.
Political Career
Gerald Ford's political career began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1948, representing Michigan's 5th congressional district. Known for his integrity and bipartisan approach, Ford rose through the ranks to become the House Minority Leader in 1965.
In 1973, Ford was appointed as Vice President after Spiro Agnew's resignation. Following Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974, Ford assumed the presidency, becoming the 38th President of the United States. One of his most controversial decisions was pardoning Nixon for any crimes he may have committed during the Watergate scandal.
Legacy and Later Life
After leaving office in 1977, Ford remained active in public life, focusing on humanitarian efforts and promoting bipartisanship. He and his wife, Betty Ford, established the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Michigan.
Gerald Ford passed away on December 26, 2006, at the age of 93. Despite his relatively modest net worth of $7 million in 2024, Ford's legacy as a unifier and steady leader in a time of political turmoil continues to be remembered and studied by historians and political analysts.
Conclusion
Gerald Ford's presidency was marked by his efforts to heal a divided nation and restore trust in the government. His decision to pardon Nixon remains a subject of debate, but his commitment to integrity and bipartisanship has left a lasting impact on American politics. Ford's dedication to service and his ability to bridge political divides make him a figure worth remembering in the annals of American history.
