Frederick Harwood Forster

FORSTER, FREDERICK HARWOOD - 64, died Thursday, November 18, at Blount Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family following a lengthy battle with cancer. His faith inspires us. His wisdom empowers us. His smile uplifts us. He was a graduate of West High School, Knoxville, and The University of the South at Sewanee where he was president of his fraternity and a member of The Order of Gownsmen. Fred affectionately considered himself a 'Baptipalian', with involvement in both Baptist and Episcopal congregations throughout his life. Upon graduation, he was commissioned through ROTC into the U.S. Air Force and served the military with distinction for 35 years. At the rank of Colonel, he commanded the 134th Air Refueling Wing in Knoxville for 11 years, during which he lead over 1500 airmen in the joint forces of the 1713th Air Refueling Wing in Dubai, UAE, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was later named Assistant Adjutant General for Air for the State of Tennessee, retiring with the highest rank for a Guardsman, Major General. Following his service in the military, he was asked to serve as President and CEO of the Blount County Chamber Partnership, a career he loved as much as his first. Fred also was proud to be a part of many great non-profit boards and local causes, including United Way, Tremont, Metropolitan Airport Authority, National Advisory Council at Maryville College, Kiwanis, Nine Counties. One Vision, Boy Scouts, and Relay for Life. Fred's love for his community was reflected in everything he did. He was preceded in death by his father, M.G. Forster and brother, John C. Forster. Survivors include his wife and best friend, Carolyn DeLozier Forster; daughters, Joy Forster Carver and her husband William J. Carver of Maryville, Rebecca Forster of Washington, D.C., and Katherine Forster Watson of Knoxville; grandchildren, Drew and Caroline Carver; mother, Harriet Canterberry Forster of Maryville; sister, Jane Forster Wacaster and her husband, Dr. C. Thompson Wacaster of Meridian, MS; aunt, Anne C. Speake of Huntsville, AL; several nieces and nephews. Fred especially enjoyed the bonds of friendship with his longtime hunting buddies and his Monday morning Prayer Group. A funeral service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral in Knoxville on Sunday, November 21, at 3:00 p.m. Inurnment with full military honors will take place on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Maryville, with visitation to follow from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the church's Activities Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Fred Forster Memorial Fund supporting the Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804; or the building fund for Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 3508 Wildwood Road, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.smithmortuary.com