Billy Joe "Bub" Forkum Jr.

Billy Joe "Bub" Forkum, Jr., aged 57, of Greene County, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024. Born on August 31, 1966, Bub was a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.
Bub was a proud 1984 graduate of Greene County Tech High School, where he discovered his passion for music while playing in the school band. This passion for music was only matched by his love for the simple pleasures in life such as hosting cookouts, where his famous barbecue ribs were the highlight of many family gatherings. Bub was also an ardent bowling enthusiast, often seen at the local lanes enjoying the camaraderie of his team.
A lifelong fan of NASCAR, Bub inherited his love for the sport from his father. Together, they shared many Saturdays at Crowley's Ridge Raceway cheering on their favorite drivers and bonding over the roar of the engines. These moments spent with his dad were among Bub's most treasured memories. He enjoyed listening to music, especially AC/DC.
Beyond his hobbies, Bub was a dedicated family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones. He had a knack for making every family gathering memorable with his infectious smile and heartwarming laughter. Bub's role as a caregiver for his family showcased his selfless nature and unwavering commitment to those he held dear.
Professionally, Bub excelled as a sales representative at Mid-South Plumbing and Electric. His charismatic personality and genuine care for his clients earned him respect and admiration within the industry. Colleagues and customers alike loved Bub for his integrity, kindness, and the trustworthy relationships he built over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Wanda Forkum; sister, Tammy Michelle Forkum; grandparents, Henry and Eva Forkum, Ed and Freda Harpole; aunt, Dorothy (Aunt Dot) Claxton; father-in-law, Marvin Keeling; brothers-in-law, Billy Joe Keeling and Donald Keeling; and sister-in-law, Peggy Keeling Grant (Dewayne).
Survivors include his wife, Paulette Forkum; stepchildren, Jennifer Winfrey (Aaron), Zachary Rainwater (Sam), Kenzie Rapert (Danny); brother, Robbie Forkum (Candalee); nieces and nephews, Tori Livingood (Lynden), Jessica Forkum, Parker Wrenfrow, Will Wrenfrow, Zoey Wrenfrow (Aubrey), Jackson Bell; step grandchildren, Lavender Winfrey, Drake Wilson, Mia Wilson, Waylon Wilson, Casey Dean Wilson, Riley Rose Dee Rainwater See, Draker Poole, Layla Sue Rainey; mother-in-law, Vera "Ma" Keeling; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Pamela Keeling, James Poole (Cindy); David Keeling, Patricia Hunt (Stan), Phillip Keeling (Genia); special friends, Steve Rapert, Steve Foster, Melvin Conrad; and dogs, Sugar Bear Forkum and Rex Brown Keeling.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 25, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funera Home with Stacy Prater, Phillip Keeling and Aaron Winfrey officiating. Burial will follow at Old Bethel Cemetery.
Chris Keeling, Blake Keeling, Tracer Keeling, David "Doc" Allen, Zach Rainwater, and Logan Allen will serve as pallbearers. The staff at Mid-South Plumbing & Electric will serve as honorary pallbearers.
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