AREA OBITUARIES -- CHARLES "CHARLIE" BEDFORD FORREST

Charles "Charlie" Bedford Forrest, born June 18, 1942, passed away after a short illness, at home, Jan. 18, 2023, at the age of 80.

Charlie attended Futon, 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. 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.

He was born in Fulton, the son of Nathan Bedford and Wilma Tibbs Forrest who predeceased him.

He was also predeceased 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, 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 will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Charlie elected cremation and his service will be held Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at The Meadows Hotel, 101 Commercial Ave., in Fulton, Ky.

Charlie loved animals and was passionate about their care and wellbeing. The family would like to honor his love of animals by requesting that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in his name may be sent to the Humane Society, online at HumaneSociety.org or by calling 866-720-2676.