Donovan Charles Forbes
In the noon hour of Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, following a pleasant morning of conversation with family, Donovan Charles “Don” Forbes passed away unexpectedly.
A resident of Meadow View Senior Living in Clinton, Don had been experiencing escalating health and mobility issues in recent weeks. He was 92.
He was born in a front room of his family’s modest home on Aug. 4, 1933, in Hammond, Louisiana, to Max James and Mildred Wolf Forbes. The younger of two sons, he grew up during difficult times and worked many jobs in his youth. A quick learner and always competitive, he excelled in school, played in the band and was a talented athlete.
At age 18, following the early death of his father, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea, taking with him his ukulele and cornet. After his service, he attended Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond on the G.I. Bill, where he met Susan Hyde, an English major and daughter of a professor. They soon married.
After earning his degree, they moved to Baton Rouge and Don pursued a master’s in forest management at LSU while Susan completed her studies in English education. They welcomed sons David in 1958 and Steve in 1959 while continuing their education. Don also was serving as a student teacher.
In 1961, the family moved to Norris, Tennessee, for Don’s new job as a staff forester with the Tennessee Valley Authority and for Susan’s teaching position at Norris High School. After a couple of years, the family moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Don pursued a PhD in Forest Genetics at the University of Florida while serving concurrently as a graduate instructor. It was there in 1964 that Susan’s and Don’s third son Alan was born. Following his graduation in 1966, the family returned to Norris, where Don resumed his TVA career. In 1970, the family settled into the home where Don and Susan would live for more than 50 years.
While rising in the ranks at TVA, Don continued to seek varying work and training opportunities. During a one-year exchange program with TVA and the National Forest Service in Atlanta, Don enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. In both the TVA and the Coast Guard Reserve, he exemplified his dedication to hard work, innovation and continuing education, holding high expectations for those with whom he worked. Rising to the position of forestry project manager, Don worked diligently to advance the agency’s initiatives. In managing people, he helped secure and advance the careers of others serving alongside him. A champion for some, an outspoken critic of others, Don was known for often adding “colorful commentary” to many professional and personal experiences.
Beyond his profession, Don loved music, especially big band swing, and played guitar and cornet throughout his life. His athleticism fueled his years of playing men’s softball and basketball, coaching Little League baseball and attending games when his sons played. He was an avid golfer and played well into his eighties. He enjoyed camping with his family, working alongside his sons, hauling firewood and other tasks. In retirement, he traveled extensively, continued with golfing and with his music, and later with recording family history as well as other creative writing. He was especially interested in the pursuits and achievements of his children and grandchildren, always keen to share with them his insights regarding their educational and professional endeavors.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Susan Elaine Hyde Forbes; his parents; and his brother, Max James Forbes Jr.
Don is survived by sons David R. (Gwen) Forbes of Clinton, Steven C. (Martha) Forbes of Norris, and Alan S. (Liz) Forbes of Statesboro, Ga.; grandchildren Daniel (Lisa) Forbes, Rachel (Sean) Bradley, Rebecca (Cameron) Grey, Kathryn (Brendan) Blatchford, Samuel Forbes, Joshua Forbes, Lainey (Alan) Upchurch, and Anna (Colin) McBride; great-grandchildren Angelo, Fiora, Leo, Natali, Jio, Adeline, Sydney, Genevieve, Harper, Declan, Lochlan, and two expected arrivals: baby Blatchford in December 2025 and baby McBride in April 2026; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends from Norris.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service will follow at Norris Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norris Sports Complex, City of Norris, P.O. Box 1090, Norris, TN 37828.
The family extends special thanks to the many caretakers at Meadow View Senior Living for more than two years of selfless dedication and service, to Shalom Hospice for additional care over the past few weeks, and to friends and family who honor Don’s life and legacy.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
