Forrest Wilson Bridges passed peacefully into eternity in the comfort of his home on January 6, 2023, at the age of 91.

Born on June 16, 1931, to Oscar Lee Wilson Bridges and Ocie Elizabeth (Cooper) Bridges, Forrest was a lifelong resident of Cleveland County. An avid talker and storyteller, Forrest never missed an opportunity to share about his hobbies, which included hunting, fishing, gardening, and anything outdoors. But if you ever sat with him for any length of time, you would quickly have learned that his service to his country in the United States Marine Corps was his proudest accomplishment. Serving during the Korean War, he had the opportunity to experience the world in incredible ways; and even in spite of debilitating spinal injuries sustained during his service which resulted in multiple surgeries over decades and crippled mobility in the latter years of his life, his tour created lasting memories remembered even in the throes of dementia. He would simply beam when displaying his United Nations Service, National Defense Service, Korean Service, and Good Conduct medals.

In addition to his love of the outdoors and his affection for the military, Forrest had a firm commitment to his faith. Though a shut-in, he was a member of Eastside Baptist Church. Previously a member of Dover Baptist Church during his more active years, he had proudly served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and chairman of the usher board. He especially enjoyed visiting church members with Dr. Robert Lamb during his tenure as interim pastor, as well as going on mission trips.

In his later years at home, Forrest looked forward to visits from faithful friends Bud Killian, Jim Kiser, and Richard Morgan, and neighbors in the truest sense of the word Bobby Ray and Danny Hoyle, as well as phone calls with fellow serviceman Cleon Brown of Hanahan, SC, with whom he maintained a lifelong connection. In those years, he also loved to take trips around his property in his motorized wheelchair, sometimes staying outdoors for hours a day and never missing an opportunity to visit with his special companion, his German Shepherd, Sam.

Forrest is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Poston Bridges, of the home; one son, Scott Bridges (Susie) of Shelby; grandchildren, Heather Bridges Moore (Jon) and Thad Bridges, all of Shelby; and one sister, Deloris Adams (Mike) of Spartanburg, SC; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and several faithful caregivers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Bridges, and daughter-in-law, Sonya; brothers Frank Bridges and Charles Bridges; and sisters Dot Curtis, Marie Hoyle, Ruby Laws, Trilba Ellis, and Wilda Bridges.

Affectionately known as "Pops," Forrest will be remembered by his family as tenacious and resilient, never letting debilitating setbacks such as back problems, multiple heart attacks, or a massive stroke deter him. Dubbed their cat with nine lives, he always adapted, seldom wallowed, and could never be counted out. Though he could be stubborn, it served him well in the adversity he faced. In spite of it all, he was quick with a quip and remained so up until the last weeks. He will be missed dearly, but there is some comfort in knowing that he was looking forward to meeting his Lord and Savior and being happily reunited with his cherished parents and siblings, about whom he talked often in his final weeks.

A graveside service with military honors celebrating Forrest's life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Cleveland Memorial Park. Rev. Dale Byrd will officiate. Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Asheville VA Healthcare System VA Voluntary Services at 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, including In Memory of Forrest Wilson Bridges in the memo line.