William F. Forrest was born on March 22, 1931, in Woodbury, New Jersey. An only child, he was raised in a Methodist home, in Carney's Point, N.J. He graduated from Penn's Grove High School. He received his Bachelor's degree from Westminster Choir College, in Princeton, N.J. He served in the U.S Navy in San Diego, California, where he served as director of the U.S. Navy Recruit Choir. During his naval service, he became an Episcopalian. He entered seminary at Philadelphia Divinity School, receiving his Masters of Divinity in 1961. Father Forrest served the Lord as an Episcopal Priest for over 50 years. He served in numerous roles and many parishes including; Vicar, St. Marks, Carteret, NJ (1961-1965) Priest in Charge, Sewaren, NJ (1964-1965), Assistant to the Dean, St Matthew' s Cathedral , Dallas, TX (1965-1969), Rector, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Farmington, NM (1969-1973), Rector and Head Master, St. Vincent's Cathedral, Bedford, TX (1973-1978), Rector and Head Master, St. Luke's, Denison, TX (1978-1982) and Vicar, St. Johns, Pottsboro, TX (1983-1985), After retirement he supplied to several churches including Church of the Holy Trinity, Bonham, TX. He attended St. Stephens in Sherman, TX and The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Irving, TX. Throughout his career, Father Forrest saw the light of God in all those he encountered, and was, in all ways, a champion of the poor, the sick, the needy, the victimized, marginalized and disenfranchised. Whether serving a largely Eastern European immigrant community, guiding his parish in the sponsorship of a family of Vietnamese refugees, or shepherding a small mission comprised of actual Navajo shepherds, he demonstrated frequently, (and sometimes substantial risk to himself) what it means to really go the distance for his flock. He led them and taught with music, for which he had an abiding passion. He believed he could teach anyone to sing, and he instilled this love in his family and inspired many others. He spent personal time teaching himself computer skills, so that he could compose and set his own hymns and service music. He loved all nature, and sought the mysteries of God in all creatures and wild places. He loved worshiping God in nature. As a faithful Franciscan, he followed the rule of the saint, even to the end of life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Fred Forrest, his wife, Barbara Jane and his daughter, Ruth Ellen. He is survived by daughters Mary Caroline, Katherine Elizabeth and numerous Nieces and Nephews. A requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Irving, Texas on Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 P.M. Gifts may be made to the Building Fund of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Irving, TX. SERVICES Funeral Service

Saturday, February 04, 2017 3:00 PM

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 2700 Warren Circle Irving, Texas 75062