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Lemuel Forrest Obituary
A lifelong resident of Newport News, Buddy was born on Oct. 5, 1924.
He graduated from Newport News High School in Feb., 1943, and answered his country's call to service immediately afterward. Buddy was a member of the 661st tank destroyer battalion which was attached to the 69th Division in France. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhine River and Leipzig as a front line messenger and combat soldier. His Division was the first to meet up with the Russians during the Allied invasion of Germany. Before receiving his honorable discharge as a T-4 Sergeant, Buddy spent the last six months of his military service at the Army War College in Washington, D.C.
Buddy graduated from the NACA-NASA Apprentice School in 1952. He began his 30-year career at NACA-NASA as an electronic instrument maker and retired in 1979 as an engineering technician with the Instrument Research Division.
Buddy generously gave of his time working as a scoutmaster for the Deer Park Cub Scouts of America and as a baseball coach for Deer Park Little League, Pony League and Colt League teams. Throughout his life he loved sports. He enjoyed playing basketball, football, baseball, softball, golf and tennis. Boating and fishing were favorite pastimes. Bowling also played a large part in his life. While on leave after basic training in 1944, he met his future wife, Pauline, at the Sports Bowl Duckpin Lanes in Newport News. Buddy bowled on NACA-NASA leagues all through his working years and for 27 years after his retirement he and Pauline bowled with the Friday Fellowship League at Classic Lanes where they made wonderful friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lemuel E. and Alethia Nurney Forrest; and his sisters, Sybil Goodman and Norma Craigs.
Buddy is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 62 years, Pauline O'Neal Forrest, whom he married on Valentine's Day, 1947; their children, Wanda Carter and her husband, Carlton, and Gary Forrest and his wife, Martha; four step-granddaughters and five step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Estelle Keith; niece, Phyllis Fritschi; nephews, Ray B. and Dale Goodman; special cousins, Thomas Earl and Gerald Deans and William and Denise Nurney.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
The family will welcome friends today, Nov. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton.
At Buddy's request, a graveside service will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m. in Parklawn Memorial Park. The Rev. Katherine Gray will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Buddy' name to Deer Park Baptist Church, 826 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601, or to Riverside Hospice, Suite 6E, 12420 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, in Hampton. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lemuel Forrest
5 Entries
Suzanne Stierwalt
November 23, 2009
Your family has a special place in my heart. It was a blessing to minister to you at Riverside.
May God comfort you all.
Chaplain Suzanne
Frances Cava
November 23, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you, Pauline, Wanda and Gary! Buddy was a super person and I feel privileged to have "been a friend". God Bless you and keep you thru this trying period of saddness.Frances Cava, Clinton, N.C.
November 23, 2009
Pauline and Family,
So sorry to hear about Buddy's passing.
I have fond memories of good times we all shared. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maxine Pugh, Powhatan, VA
Janeson Keeley
November 22, 2009
Wanda,
The obituary is a wonderful tribute to your father, who I know you loved very much. Buffy and I send our thoughts and prayers to you, your mother, and the rest of your family.
Larry Moore
November 21, 2009
Pauline and Family, I am deeply saddened to read of Buddy's passing. He was one of the kindest and most intelligent gentlemen I've known. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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