Charles Forsythe

Charles Eugene Forsythe of Monticello, Georgia, known to his loved ones as "Chuck", passed away on November 22, 2024, at the age of 86. Chuck was known for his love of his family, his dedication to his community, his determined respect for public justice, and his kind and tender heart. Despite his tough-as-nails exterior, crew cut, and military bearing, Chuck's eyes would invariably well up at the sight of a marching band or the strains of "Danny Boy."

Chuck was born on March 27, 1938, to Eugene Charles Forsythe and Anna Angeline Ahr in Maywood, Illinois. After Chuck graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, he earned Bachelor's (1961) and Master's (1962) degrees in Finance from Northern Illinois University.

Chuck met the love of his life, Susan "Susie" Kay Welch, in 1962. Having seen her across a crowded bar in Shabbona, Illinois, he worked up the courage to ask her to dance. The two were married for 37 years and cherished every day together until her passing in 2002. Their marriage was an inspiring example of loyalty and compassion for their family. They raised one daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Forsythe Sandifer, in Falls Church, Virginia.

In 1963, following the conferral of his graduate degree, Chuck received a direct commission as an officer in the United States Army. He served in the Medical Service Corps and was stationed in West Germany. From 1967 to 1970, Chuck served in the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States at the Pentagon. During this time, he received a special commendation for his testimony during formal Congressional hearings on behalf of the U.S. Army and Army Medical Department. From 1970 to 1972, Chuck worked as a budget analyst in the Army Budget Reformulation Office of the Department of Defense.

From 1972 to 1996, he worked for the Defense Investigative Service (now called the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency), retiring from the position of Comptroller. At DIS, Chuck's work helped to provide the Department of Defense with a single centrally directed personnel security investigative service. For his work at DIS, Chuck was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Civilian Service Award in March of 1987.

After retirement, Chuck and Susie moved to Monticello, Georgia, to be closer to Mandy and her family. They enjoyed traveling to Europe, collecting antiques, and, most of all, spending time with their grandchildren. After Susie's death in 2002, Chuck became active in local politics, advocating for government transparency and fiscal responsibility. In his final years, he served on the Jasper County Public Facilities Board.

Chuck is survived by daughter Mandy Forsythe Sandifer, son-in-law John Sandifer, grandchildren Emma, Bryden, and Macon Sandifer, and sister-in-law Sally and brother-in-law Ben Scott. The family is hosting a visitation at the Jordan Funeral Home in Monticello, Georgia on Friday, December 20th, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Military honors will be performed at 5 pm.