Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Charles Edward Forest Jr., 65, of Yorktown

Charles Edward Forest Jr. (Whiting’s Funeral Home)

Chief Master Sergeant Charles Edward Forest Jr. “Junior”/”Junie” USAF, Retired, departed this life on Saturday, August 13, 2022.  He was born the son of Charles Edward Forest Sr. and Mary Lizzie Forest on September 17, 1956, in Red House, VA.

At an early age, Charles joined Mount Zion Baptist Church, Red House.  He was educated in the Charlotte County Public School system, proudly graduating from Randolph Henry High School in the Class of ‘74. Prior to entering the military, Charles developed his work ethic on the family-owned farm, raising tobacco and other crops.

In August of 1980, he entered the United States Air Force. His assignments included being stationed at bases in Japan, Germany, Korea, North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. His longest duty station was Langley Air Force Base at the 71st Fighter Squadron (Go Ironman). During his service, he received a degree in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force. Among his awards, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Award (with two oak leaf clusters), the Air Force Achievement Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), and many others. Charles completed his service in March 2008, retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). This rank is achieved by less than 1% of total enlistees in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, to feed his need for speed and utilize his technical expertise, he began a second career at Huntington Ingalls Industries. He retired from there in September 2021.

On March 12, 1985, he married the love of his life, Juanita “Sally” Harvey.  They went on to have two beautiful and well-loved daughters, Ericha and Victoria, “The Girls.”

Charles lived a full life enjoying quality time with his family and friends and working on his red racecar, “Boostzilla,” a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. He truly enjoyed spending time with his friends at the race track and watching the Dallas Cowboys Football games. He also enjoyed watching The History Channel and other war documentaries and movies. He had a sweet tooth and loved sweet potato pie and Oreo cookies, always scraping away the filling. He also loved Extra peppermint gum. His favorite color was red, as evident by his red cars and truck.

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest. There is no need for tears, for with your love, I was so blessed. For all those many years.

He leaves to cherish fond and beautiful memories, his devoted wife of thirty-seven years, Juanita; two daughters, Ericha and Victoria; two sisters, Bettye Forest Williams (Lloyd) of Appomattox, VA, and Rosmary Forest-Epps (Gerald) of San Antonio, TX;  one brother, Michael Forest of Winchester, VA; aunts, Estell Forest, Dorothy Cousins, Mary Forest, Willie Mae Fuline, and Ruth Williams (Jimmy); uncles, Samuel Haskins (Debra) and James Haskins (Janice); mother-in-law, Mozell “Mo” Harvey and the entire Harvey family; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Victory Life Church.  Live stream will be available at the beginning of the service. Mr. Forest may be viewed on Thursday beginning at 12 noon until the hour of his service in the church. Facial coverings are required.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lupus Foundation of America in memory of Charles Edward Forest Jr.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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