Obituary of Simon Benjamin Forbes

Simon Benjamin Forbes, 88, the beloved husband of Thelma Tanner Forbes, entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 12, 2018 at The Lakes at Litchfield surrounded by his family.

Simon was born on April 22, 1929 to Clarence Washington Forbes and Lou Cynthia Wall Forbes in Georgetown, SC. At age 18, Simon joined the Army National Guard where he spent 42 years fighting for the country and land that he so greatly loved.  He retired from the United States Army in 1989 as a First Sergeant (E8).  Simon was a familiar figure in town and could be seen either walking or riding the roadways of Georgetown County for 46 years as head of the Georgetown County Department of Transportation.  After trying for several years, he successfully retired from the Department of Transportation in 1993.

Simon was an avid deer hunter and longtime member of the Snowmill Hunting Club.  On the weekends he could be found in the woods running his dogs, first with his sons, and then later with his grandsons.  Simon loved to fix up old cars but he especially loved all the new tools and gadgets that he got to buy whenever something needed fixing.  He was known to have more tools than Wal-Mart.  Simon loved the outdoors and for many years planted and tended to his one-acre garden in his backyard.  He loved sharing his vegetables with his family and friends.  Simon was a longtime member of Duncan United Methodist Church and was always willing to be an usher when needed.  After church he loved to take his family out for a big Sunday lunch.

Simon was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved with all of his heart, gave the best bear hugs and when his wife Thelma entered a room his face would light up with a smile and he would have a twinkle in his eyes.  He would reach for her hand and for 67 years they walked through life side by side.   He will be missed dearly by all that knew him.  He is survived by his wife Thelma; two sons Brantley (Debbie) Forbes and Legrand (Carla) Forbes; three grandsons Ben (Kim) Forbes, Patrick Forbes, and Will (Leslie) Forbes; one granddaughter Erica Forbes; and two great-granddaughters Gracie Forbes and Josie Forbes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Tony Forbes, Jim Forbes, Hammy Forbes and Luther Forbes; and one sister Ola F. Johnson.

Visitation will be on Thursday February 15, 2018 from 4-6pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral will be Friday February 16, 2018 at 2pm at Duncan United Methodist Church.  The burial will follow the service at Pennyroyal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd-Ste L, Anderson, SC 29621 or to Duncan United Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.

Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242