Benjamin Howell Forbes (85) passed peacefully on July 19, 2024 after succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Always a man to live on his own terms, he determined when he was ready to be made comfortable and was prepared physically, mentally and spiritually to leave this earth.
Born in Wilson, NC on June 19, 1939, Ben was a 1957 graduate of Charles L. Coon High School. He earned the rank of Airman First Class in the US Air Force, serving from 1958 to 1962 at Stead Air Force Base in Sparks, NV, where he trained hundreds of pilots in desert and mountain survival training, including the first seven US astronauts. Following his honorable discharge, he served in the Air National Guard in an RF-4 Phantom (Aerial Reconnaissance) unit as a film processing specialist.
Ben enjoyed trying and learning new things and worked by turns as a milkman, a professional fire fighter and a casino dealer in Reno, NV. He returned to Wilson, NC in 1969, converted to Christianity and moved to Greenville, SC to train for the ministry. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible from Bob Jones University in 1974 and served as a pastor and school administrator for ten years. He then became a residential contractor prior to returning to the gaming industry in Nevada.
A man of many talents and interests, Ben easily made friends everywhere and loved to take long road trips to visit them. He could often be seen helping someone with a home project or donating to/volunteering with charity organizations. He loved to garden, he loved to travel and, most of all, he loved to teach. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, who often quote one of his most-used phrases: "These are things you need to know.” His favorite place in the world was the Pilot Peak community near Montello, NV. He loved the beauty of the desert and the ability to see for many miles in all directions.
He is survived by a daughter, Catherine Forbes (Pitsch Karrer) of Chatham Center, New York; a son, Col (ret) Christopher Forbes (Amy) of Columbus, GA; a daughter, Liz Forbes of Greenville, SC; and four grandchildren Tori Ruff (Nathan), Jessica Theodorski, Jack Forbes and Charles Forbes, two brothers, Raymond Forbes (Nancy), William Forbes (Cindy) and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin C. and Glennie T. Forbes, and two brothers Clarence Forbes and Bruce Forbes in Wilson, NC. Interment of ashes ceremonies will be held on future dates in Wilson, NC and Montello, NV.
The family expresses their deep appreciation for the compassionate caregivers at The Gables on Pelham and Providence Care Hospice in Greenville, SC, as well as the staff at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care. Additionally, special thanks to Dad's good friends and neighbors in Nevada and Utah, who helped him be able to live independently as he wanted.
The family requests that donations be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America in support of the tremendous work they do with America’s veterans: Support PVA | Donation | Paralyzed Veterans of America
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