William Earl Forehand

1935 - 2013

William Earl

Forehand

Weaverville - William Earl Forehand, 77, of Weaverville, NC, was escorted by Jesus on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, through the Valley into the lush green pastures. He was ushered into the presence of God as he trusted confidently in Our Lord's words "You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." He was born on December 5, 1935 in Hickory, Virginia and was the son of the late Walter and Pearl Forehand.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet Mary Forehand, three sisters and four brothers. He worked as a painter for Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, New Jersey for thirty years. Later, he shared his skills training others at the Vocational Workshop of Statesville, NC. Bill loved the Lord and served countless hours in many capacities from Usher to Elder at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Statesville, NC.

Bill was a man of many gifts. He loved singing in the choir, visiting friends in the hospital and working with his hands. He was a talented carpenter, and was instrumental in helping to remodel the church and build the new Fellowship Hall. He also made many beautiful pieces of furniture.

Bill is survived by his wife Ardell Forehand, brothers John and Lawrence and his children Kathleen Fort, Karen and Brian Beikirch, William and Daveen Forehand, Jo-Ann and Stephen Blackstock, as well as three step-children, Angela and Mike Dunham, Eric and Thomas Koenig; fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating God's grace in the life of Bill will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 19th, at Weaverville United Methodist Church. Rev. Linda Kelly will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. The Forehand family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Four Seasons Hospice for their loving care for Bill in his last days.

Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com