Forrest Winchester Jr.

Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Forrest Winchester Jr., a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Born on August 9, 1954, Forrest Jr. transitioned from this life on March 27, 2025, on the same day as his dear mother, Florence M. Kenty. He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Winchester Sr.; sister, Linda J. Winchester; sister-in-law, Maria P. Winchester; and nephew, Paul Edward Callendar.
Forrest Jr. leaves behind a timeless legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire others through his seven children, whom he loved dearly: Pastor Taketa Williams (Pastor Roderick), Tawan Smith, Tiana Winchester, Forrest Winchester III, Promise (John) Winchester, Joshua Winchester (Lizeth Morales), and Hope Winchester.
His loving siblings will continue to cherish their family bond, his life and legacy: Carol A. Winchester, Tommie L. Harraway (Andre), Jackie R. Winchester (Maria, deceased), Hilmer J. Kenty (Tracey), Wanda F. Kenty, and Gary W. Kenty (Jeanine Martell).
His beloved grandchildren, who will deeply miss him: Shakeyla Williams McLaurin (Donnivyn), Roderick Williams II, Trinity Smith, Jaylen Winchester, Sariiyah Winchester, Kamren Haralson, Bryce Haralson, Champion Motley, Chance Motley, Juelz Winchester and Sophia Winchester. Also his precious great-grandchildren, Sha'Nila Williams, Roman Hawkins Williams, Novah Williams, and Aurora Williams.
His nieces and nephews, who were close to him, will treasure his memory always: Tesa Gregoire, Hilmer James (HJ) Kenty Jr., Tiffany Kenty, Andria Beckham (Jerrell), JR Winchester, Adrien Harraway (Heather), Crystal Moss (Elwood), Gary Kenty Jr. (Dania), and Ethan Kenty.
Additionally, a host of other siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members residing in Houston and Austin, Texas, his longtime childhood friend, Keith "Poncho" Fincher, many loved ones and numerous friends mourn his passing.
Forrest Winchester, Jr., is a 1973 graduate of Linden McKinley High School in Columbus, Ohio, and had a deep passion for the sport of boxing. During the time he began to emerge, Columbus, Ohio had become a hotbed of amateur boxing in the United States of America and its boxers began to dominate. The major force behind Columbus' dominance in state and national competitions was Bill Cummings Jr. The remarkable Mr. Bill Cummings Jr. was a very vital part of Forrest Winchester Jr.'s boxing success.
With the help of the State of Ohio, the Ohio Youth Commission recreational services was established. Forrest Winchester Jr. was the first paid boxing coach for this transformative outreach program.
Forrest Winchester Jr. left an indelible mark on the world as a professional boxer. His many accomplishments include:
• Serving as a dedicated Boxing Coach for the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks at Beatty Recreation Center for over 14 years.
• Earning a place in the Columbus Recreation and Parks Boxing Hall of Fame.
• Training boxers in Ohio for over 15 years, preparing them for competitions at the Ohio State Fair.
• Leading and mentoring the youth of Columbus, inspiring them to achieve greatness.
• Working at the Training Institute of Central Ohio (TICO), a facility dedicated to guiding troubled youth.
BOXING ACHIEVEMENTS:
• 1975 National AAU Runner-Up in the Featherweight Division.
• National Amateur Champion and National Golden Gloves Runner-Up.
• Turned professional in 1977 after a successful amateur career.
• Won his first 17 professional boxing matches undefeated.
• Ranked in the top 15 by esteemed boxing organizations, including the NABF and USBA.
• Achieved victory over WBO World Emerging Champion Manning Galloway.
• Trained alongside boxing legends, including his world-renowned brother, Hilmer J. Kenty (WBA Lightweight Champion of the World), 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Jerry Page, Columbus' Finest Vonzell Johnson and Richard Rozelle, World Champion Hector "Macho" Camacho, and was called to London England numerous times to train with World Champion Barry McGuigan.
• Appeared on television networks such as ESPN, USA Sports, NBC and CBS.
• Earned the respect of world champions such as his brother, Hilmer J. Kenty, Mike Tyson, James "Buster" Douglas, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Forrest Jr. was a man of faith, dedicated to serving Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was filled with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and passionately expressed his love for God through worship and praise. He lived by the Word of God and found joy in sharing his faith with others.
Forrest Winchester, Jr., was not only a champion in the ring but also in life. He inspired those around him, uplifted his community, and left a lasting legacy of strength, perseverance, and faith. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.
A Legendary Champion Indeed, May He Rest In Peace and His Legacy Live On.
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