Dale Garnett Forrest lived a joyous and full life, always with a smile. He never met a stranger and always saw the positive in everyone. He passed away July 21, 2021 in Richmond, Va.
Dale was a dedicated and loving husband for 62 years to wife Lavenia who preceded him in death. He devoted the last six years to dear friend Nancy Leath. He leaves daughters, Judy Newlin and husband Morris of Greensboro, N.C., and Cheryl Land of Virginia Beach, Va. and fiancé Dr. Archie Hoyt of Yorktown, Va. He is also survived by grandchildren, Billy Newlin (Jennifer Berube) of Pensacola, Fla., Matt Newlin (Amanda Hofsetter) of Lexington, N.C., Laura Witter of Charlotte, N.C., Mitchell Land (Morgan) of Summerville S.C., Harrison Land of Virginia Beach, and Morgan Land of Seoul, South Korea. Dale had eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Dale was born in Mathews, Va., the only child of James Wray and Thelma Hudgins Forrest. He excelled in school and sports at Mathews High School, attended Randolph-Macon College and graduated from VCU. Dale was the first one in his family to graduate from college.
Dale first worked for the F.B.I. But he wanted to own his own business, so he started Office Equipment Rental Company in Richmond in the 1960s. He ran it successfully for almost 40 years.
Dale worshipped for almost 60 years at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Trustee and Elder. He was active with the Lakeside Lions Club where he served as president. Dale played a keen hand of bridge and loved to win! He enjoyed collecting coins, horse racing, baseball (he was a little league coach) and eating crabs. Dale loved going back to Mathews where he enjoyed fishing and visiting friends and family. His children and grandchildren have many fond memories of fishing with “Pop” in the Mobjack and Chesapeake Bays.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, 3 p.m., at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 2605 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, Va. 23228. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Virginia, Overbrook Presbyterian Church or a non-profit of your choice.