Beloved patriarch of the Forbes clan and the Estatoe Church of God, Frank Forbes, age 89, of Crabtree Road, made his journey to the Kingdom of God on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025. His journey on this earth was one marked by his unwavering faith in God, love for everyone, and compassion as he touched numerous lives.
Frank was born August 14th, 1935 to Dock and Hattie Roland Forbes. Frank will be remembered as a pillar of his family and the Estatoe Church of God where he played his beloved Martin guitar and sang. He was also the Sunday School superintendent for 67 years, as well as the choir director for many years. Frank was proud to be a member of the Masonic Vesper Lodge #554 A.F. & A.M. in Spruce Pine.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Van Forbes; granddaughter, Mindy Grissom; infant grandson, Bradley Scott Biddix; sister, Lucille Burleson (Robert); and brothers: Rob Forbes (Lorraine), Lilborn Forbes (Judy), Lee Forbes and Ed Forbes (Beulah).
He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 70 years, Lillian Burleson Forbes; sons: Jerry Forbes of Spruce Pine and Darrell Forbes (Nancy) of Newdale; daughter, Patricia Biddix (Johnny) of Marion; grandchildren: Chasidy Forbes, Brandy Laws (Matthew), Jeremy Forbes (Randi Jo), Brandon Biddix, Stacy Lamb (Matthew), D.J. Forbes (Catlin), and Kennedy Hendrix (Brooke); 15 great-grandchildren and 9 great, great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Freida Thomas Forbes of Virginia. Several other extended family also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 20th at Estatoe Church of God. Rev. Wayne Braswell and Pastor Chris Greene will officiate. Burial will follow in the Estatoe Church of God Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the services at the church.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital at P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or at www.lovetotherescue.org, or to Estatoe Church of God at 3556 Penland Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
