Larry Forrester's Obituary
Larry Forrester, known fondly as "Grandpa" by his friends, has left a void in our lives with his passing. He was a kind-hearted and friendly individual. On May 21, 2023, we bid farewell to Larry as he embarked on his final journey.
Born on February 22, 1941, Larry was raised in Georgia and attended Main Street and Miller Park Elementary Schools and Gainesville High School. During his time in elementary school, he won a flower-arranging contest. Even after moving to Oklahoma 47 years ago, he loved watching and cheering on the University of Georgia Bulldogs football. After school he went to work for AT&T. Larry was a man of many talents and passions. He possessed a remarkable generosity and would readily offer the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Larry's love for storytelling was contagious. His stories will leave lasting memories in the minds of those who had the privilege of hearing them. He was a skilled pool player, and could often be found sinking shots and winning tournaments! He also enjoyed watching Nascar, hunting, and fishing and would tell everyone about his "Big" Catch. Larry's used his father's recipe to make delicious barbecue sauce and dabbled in the art of making moonshine, known only to his closest friends of course! For the majority of his professional life, Larry worked in maintenance at Floral Haven, dedicating countless hours to its upkeep. Even after his retirement, he found solace in driving and "Patrolling" around the cemetery grounds. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Larry was preceded in death by his spouse, Ruby Forrester; his step-daughter, Anna Marie "Jackie" Smith; step-daughter, Marilyn Green; his father, Lonzo Benson Forrester Sr.; his mother, Maudie Smith Forrester; his paternal grandparents, Quillian Nathaniel Forrester, and Frances Whitlock Forrester; his maternal grandparents, Cornelius “Neal” Crowe, and Nora Catherine Smith; his brother, Ronald Forrester; his sister-in-law, Burleen “Tommie” Forrester; and his brother-in-law, Carlton Stephens.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Tina Goldman, and her husband, Deric; step-daughter, Debbie Kroll; step-daughter Tammy Baker; his brother, Lonzo Forrester Jr.; brother, Jimmy D. Forrester and his wife, Deborah; sister, Margaret Ann Forrester; sister, Betty Jo Stephens; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members, and friends, and the countless lives he touched along the way. May his soul find eternal peace, and may we find solace in the cherished memories he has left behind. Rest in peace, "Grandpa"; You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, June 2nd at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in The Garden of Reflections.
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