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Tommy Forsyth Obituary

FORSYTH Tommy Frank Forsyth Jr., 63, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Palatka, Florida on January 13, 1946. He was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and a Baptist at heart. He graduated from Paxon High School in 1964 where he was a member of the varsity football team. He was predeceased by his parents, Tommy and Mae Forsyth, Sr. He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Jane Russell (Michael), a brother, Bobby Forsyth (Cathy), a sister, Sylvia Miller (Frank), one grandchild, Taylor Mae Russell, two nephews, Troy Miller, Robbie Forsyth, and two nieces, Ashley Forsyth, and Shawn Simmons. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Park at Trinity. Reverend Paul Douglas Woods will be officiating. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Tommy Forsyth

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Ronald Mercer

February 17, 2009

I went to Paxon and played football with Tommy during our three years at Paxon Sr. High. I have not had any contact with Tommy since we graduated in 1964. I remember his sense of humor and fun loving personality. I'm sure that didn't change after we graduated. My prayers are with his family and many friends.

Valerie Whitty

February 14, 2009

I'll miss Tommy, but I know he's been sick for awhile. Lisa worked with me at the Kennel Club. Bobby graduated from Paxon,also. Tommy was a cool cat , always made you smile & never knew what he was up to. He'll be missed by many.

Wally Steinhauser

February 12, 2009

Bobby, Lisa and the Forsyth Family,

My sister, Kelli, and I are saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. I'll never forget the many good times at Woodstock Youth Center and late night dinners at Bagley's. I'll always remember the many kindnesses that Tommy showed me, my sister and father, Heyward.

Please accept our sincere condolences.

James Cole

February 10, 2009

Years ago Tommy was my neighbor on Alfen Street. We both coached Pop Warner Football in the PIA Athletic Assn. Tommy was a good friend and a tough competitor on the football field. My deepest condolences to his family.
"Jim" Cole

Angela Caporali Briggs

February 10, 2009

Who could ever forget Tommy's infectous smile and wonderful sense of humor? Tommy, Roy Dan, Van, Skinner, Butch and Blade spent a lot of time at our house and often raided the refrigerator while there. They never failed to make Mom C laugh. I'm sure if she was here today, she'd express her sorrow for the loss of one of "her boys." She loved them all. As do I.

My deepest condolences to the entire family. I know that you will miss him greatly.

Edna Griffith

February 10, 2009

Sylvia, Frank & Family
We were so sorry to hear about your brother. You can rejoice as he now is at peace and in the care of our heavenly Father. We will keep you in our prayers and ask God to watch over and protect you forevermore.

Capers joins me in expressing our sincere sympathy for your loss.

Tina (Jenkins) Cowan

February 9, 2009

A more vivacious and charismatic person I have never known. Tommy made everyone feel special, but he, in fact, was the special one. Gifted in many ways he touched many lives, including mine. Although we parted many years ago, a part of my heart he took with him. Many happy memories I shall keep inside, knowing they formed a part of who I am. And I am thankful, that I had the chance to know and love him. I arrived at the funeral home on Saturday at 2:00 and was informed that the services had been at 11:00. To the family, my condolences. I know you will miss him very much.

Monica Turner

February 9, 2009

Tommy--You were very good to me in many ways -I will never forget you and I know God has welcomed you into his light--I love you and Im so blessed to have known you--Love Monica

Ed Brooks

February 8, 2009

You can definitely get a feeling for what a fun-loving, funny guy Tommy was by reading the entries here. I remember Tommy from when I was in HS (80's) and he was friends with my Mom (Louis Bransford.) It was not unusual for him to "pop in" at 2am to make lemon ice cream or take everybody down to Daytona to gamble on Jai Alai. This world is surely a little less bright without him in it.

Marion Dougherty

February 8, 2009

Bobby and the Forsyth extended families,
I am sorry to hear about Tommy and had not known of his illness but know that he had to have been a fighter. He was always looking at the positive side of life and can only imagine he still did that until his passing. I knew him as an athlete, a friend and coach in baseball as a young man having my life formulated with influence and guidance on a daily basis. His support for Bobby and myself in our days on the mound of the Paxon and Woodstock ball fields was always positive and full of things to make you believe in yourself and look positive at others. It was we, a team, not I and knowing that of Tommy I am sure he is on a great team today. Bobby, my sympathy to you and your family and thanks to Tommy and Sonny who guided us to the greatest team of players I ever participated with in baseball, Union Camp 1965.

Jerry Bass

February 8, 2009

While I have always been proud to call Tommy a Friend, I'm sadden that I missed the chance to say goodbye. A more honest and sincere man will never be known, Tommy's word was like gold. If he told you something, you could take it to the bank. He was coach in my youth and a friend in our adult life. I will miss but not forget the times we shared. May God walk with you Tommy and I pray you rest in peace.

Cindy Waddell

February 7, 2009

Dear Forsyth Family,

Boy, we go back a long time, at Biltmore School. What wonderful sweet memories I have of Tommy.

I have often wondered how he was doing and thought about him during the years.

We know now, he is CANCER free! No more pain and no more tears, hes walking on sreets of GOLD!

Please know I will continue to lift the family up in prayers. May God give you the strength and faith during this difficult time.

Serving Him,
Cindy Carter Waddell
Paxon Class of 1964

Psalm 23

Elizabeth Jenkins

February 7, 2009

What a beautiful day, today was. I wish I could have been there, in person, but I was there in spirit!

Psalm 118

Paxon Class of 1966

Kay Marsh-Allen

February 7, 2009

Just wanted to say how much Tommy meant to me and my daughter Lisa kay. He could always make us laugh even now I am smiling when I think about him what a special gift to have. I will never forget when we went to Wal mart and he bought a buggy full of rubber beach shoes. Love to all the family.

Wayne & Sandy King

February 7, 2009

Sorry about Tommy...he gave it a good fight! We went to the service @ 2 PM (newspaper was wrong).
We had good times at Florida Theatre & gambling trips. He will be missed.

Scott McCain

February 7, 2009

Bobby, Sylvia and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. I have many fond memories of Tommy and the Forsyth family. May God bless you and give you strength.

Pam Martin-Gehle

February 7, 2009

Robert Dennis(Bobby), Sylvia, Lisa and Family,
I have many wonderful memories of Tommy. He could always make me laugh.

My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this difficult time.

David Allen

February 7, 2009

What wonderful memories I have of Coach Tommy (70' Biltmore Jets). He was passionate and intense about football and his players. Godspeed to the Golden Gridiron. My prayers to Coach Bobby - family and friends.

Jerry Rosenberg

February 7, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. He was a very close friend for many years. We traveled everywhere there was a casino, together, for years....We even made it to opening day in Atlantic City! Lots of great memories!
Jerry Rosenberg

Will Russell

February 7, 2009

My entire life, my mother has told me about her Woodstock Park Baptist Church Sunday School teacher's nephew. Now, I know his name.

Peace unto the family,

Numbers 32:23

Elsie Talley

February 7, 2009

Cancer is a terrible way to go. Our days on earth are very limited, but eternity is never ending. Although I am now an old lady, from the Paxon community, I remember Tommy from the '60's.

Numbers 32:23

Barbara Cowart

February 7, 2009

Memories....How wonderful....One never knew when Tommy would "pop in" or how long he would stay or how much he would make you laugh. Tommy will be missed but definitely not forgotten.

Lynda Parham Keane

February 7, 2009

I remember Tommy from our school days at Paxon Jr. and Sr. High.

He was always laughing and sharing the gift of that laughter with the rest of us.

I have many fond memories of that group of crazy guys, Tommy, Van, Roy and Roy...there was never a dull moment!

May the knowledge of His promise that one day we will all be together again bring you comfort in this time of sorrow.

Uplifting you all in prayer,

Paul Woods

February 7, 2009

After meeting with the family yesterday, I wish I would have had the privilege to meet Tommy. Hearing the family share stories of his life has been such a joy.

I am praying for a beautiful time of celebration and remembrance today at 11:00!

Roland Rondeau

February 7, 2009

Tommy introduced me to football the hard way and I was thankful to him the rest of my sports days. I wish I could have seen more of him in later years. God bless the family.

John Guthrie

February 7, 2009

Dear Family,
I remember Tommy from the football team and the two a days we endured. He was a good guy with a great sense of humor. My heart is saddened at your loss.

Sincerely,

John Guthrie
Class of 1967

Carol Ellis-Green

February 6, 2009

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. Tommy and I graduated together in 1964 - he was a great guy. I know he will be missed, but in a much better place now. May God bless you!

Liz McClain

February 6, 2009

Words are so inadequate. . .if only I had known, but God knows ALL. I've shared my recollections with my family. Even though, time heals, memories are everlasting. The last time I saw Tommy was at a business on Hwy #218, near the school where I taught in Middleburg. Then later, I read about him in the Clay county newspapers. I wish I could have been there in his final days.

Jeremiah 1:5

Lucy Cortese

February 6, 2009

Tommy will be missed by all who were so fortunate to know this big man with an even bigger heart. My thoughts and prayers to his family and to the many who will grieve his loss.
Lucille Giardino
Paxon Class of 1964

Brabara Bragg Hughes

February 6, 2009

To the Family of Tommy,
I was so sorry to hear about him passing. We were in a lot of classes together! He was a very funny and careing person!!!! Always had a joke to share with you!!! We graduated together in 1964! He will be miss, but never forgotten!!!! My prayers are with all of the family.

Darla and Jimmy Deen

February 6, 2009

We wish to express our sincere condolences for your loss and the sadness felt for our loss. We remember Tommy as a teenager spending time with us, always laughing, joking and making our lives fun. We will miss him dearly.

Bobbie Smith

February 6, 2009

Lisa and family, you are all in my prayers. Your parens and I hung out in school and as young marrieds. Your Mom and Aunt Ann were 2 of my best friends. I still remember when you were born and visited with you and your parents. You were such a beautiful baby and little girl. I am sure you are a beautfil young woman. Your dad was fun to be with and brought joy to others. I lost contact with Jane in 1980 and haven't been able to locate her. May God comfort you and your family. Contact me if you ever want to know about your Mom's highschool days and your grandparents. Everyone loved your dad and he will be missed. With love, Bobbie Smith

Angela Glover Boettcher

February 6, 2009

Sylvia, Bobby and family, My heart goes out to ya'll for your loss. I had not seen Tommy in years and was blessed to reconnect with him Christmas 2007 and then again about 6 mos ago. He was a very good friend and knowing him was my good fortune. May GOD give you comfort and strength during this time. Angela

Elizabeth Rast

February 6, 2009

Dear Forsyth Family, Tommy was such a fun loving person. I have fond memories of Paxon Football games, summer days on the lake and a wild motorcycle ride I'll never forget! Please now that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Lib, Keith, Bryan, and Emily Rast

Linda Jackson

February 6, 2009

Sylvia,

My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family. It has been many years, but the memories are still strong. Tommy was like no one else I've known. He was full of fun, joy and happiness. That is how I will always remember him.

Butch Cronon

February 6, 2009

Sylvia,Bobby and Family
Pat and I are so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Please know you and the entire family are in our prayers. We pray God will walk beside you and reveal himself to you in a way only you will know. We pray his comfort and peace for your saddness and that he will lift your spirit in the knowledge of the comming reunion and your tender and loving care given to your brother. I have so many wonderful and funny memories of Tommy and our friendship. Hardly anyone who attended school with us won't remember the mischief Tommy ,Van, the two Roys and I created. Tommy was a good friend who grew into a generous and kind man. One only needed a brief encounter with Tommy to recognize the quality charter and giftedness he posessed. Tommy gave much love and recieved much love from his family and friends. I'm certian should you take a full measure of this man's life you would find a full, rich and wonderful time while here with us... We will miss him...Butch

Miss Char

February 6, 2009

Lisa ...

May the Peace and Grace of our God Almighty be with you at this difficult time.

I am praying that God will sustain you.

I have such great memories of Tommy …

How I loved your Daddy. The great times we shared…

Oh Tommy Forsyth I am going to miss you ….

Ike Turner

February 6, 2009

I knew Tommy at Paxon Sr. High. We graduated the same year and were in a couple of classes together. It makes me sad to know that another Paxon Eagle has fallen. God bless your family in this time of grief.

Emily (Johns) McDonald

February 6, 2009

I was so shocked! At times it seems a life-time ago but at others, it is only yesterday that I was a part of your lives. My prayers are with all of you. The memories will live on and be a comfort.

Patrick O'Neal

February 6, 2009

Condolences from Pat and the crew at Atlantic Imported Auto.

Linda (Dabbs) Davis (Tracy's Mother)

February 6, 2009

Dear Sylvia and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Tommy. I know you were such a devoted sister to him, and God gives us the strength during these enduring times. I know that Tommy is in a better place, there will be no suffering. He was a great guy, from our Paxon years.

Clyde Israel

February 6, 2009

Dear Family, Even though I had not seen Tommy for years, I considered him a team mate and a friend. I know his passing will be felt by all and my family and I have you in our prayers.

sincerely,

Clyde Israel
Paxon 65

Billy Russell

February 6, 2009

Too bad, I'll never forget you.

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