Charlie Forrest
Charles “Charlie” Bedford Forrest, born June 18, 1942, passed away after a short illness at home on Jan. 18, 2023, at the age of 80.
Charlie attended Fulton (Ky.) High School and graduated from Union City High School in 1960. He was a standout athlete who excelled at football, basketball and baseball, but his passion was always football.
He was awarded a football scholarship to both the University of Tennessee and Murray State University, where he graduated. He set athletic records at most every school he attended. He signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins and was a part of that organization’s first team in 1966. He went on to play for the Wheeling Ironmen in the newly-formed CFL (Continental Football League). In 1967, Charlie broke an Ironmen losing streak when he scored the first four-point field goal.
In addition to his football career, Charlie had a successful career as a teacher, an executive with the Boy Scouts, and spent the majority of his career in insurance. For 25 years, he owned and operated Forrest & Forrest Benefits Inc., an insurance marketing firm, along with his wife, Karen Forrest.
Born in Fulton, he was the son of Nathan Bedford and Wilma Tibbs Forrest, who pre-deceased him.
He was also pre-deceased by his infant daughter, Pamela Forrest; his son, Todd Forrest; his brothers, Jerry Forrest and Billy Joe Forrest; and his sisters, Jane Morgan and Virginia Moran.
Charlie is survived by his soulmate and wife of 38 years, Karen Hughey Forrest; sons, Tab (Donna) Kirkland and William Garrett Forrest; daughter, Haley (Michael) Di Stefano; grandchildren, Nevaeh Harvey, Wade (Nikki) Kirkland and Kristin Kirkland; great-grandchildren, Levi Kirkland and Kole Kirkland; and his brother, Jack Forrest of South Fulton, as well as numerous extended family members.
Charlie elected cremation and his service will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. at The Meadows Hotel, 101 Commercial Ave., Fulton, Ky.
Charlie loved animals and was passionate about their care and well-being. The family would like to honor his love of animals by requesting that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in his name be sent to the Humane Society. This can be done online at HumaneSociety.org or by calling 866-720-2676.
Charlie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Published in The Messenger 2.1.23