Robert "Bob" Forrest

Robert "Bob" Forrest age 87 passed away March 9, 2026 surrounded by loving family members. He was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania the son of William, an immigrant from Scotland, and Carolyn Forrest, a Pennsylvania native. Bob graduated from Sarasota High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country proudly for four years and then enrolled in Manatee Junior College. A music lover with a beautiful tenor voice, he joined the college choir where he met and married the love of his life, Judy Gross. They shared 51 years together creating a family of four and living in Alabama, Tennessee and California. In Huntsville, Alabama he was part of the Apollo space program and worked on the Saturn V rockets that flew astronauts to the moon. After their last move to California, they both retired from Unisys and moved to Lynn Haven, Florida in 2002.

Bob loved his family, his country and music especially classic country, classic hymns and organ music. He was a handy man extraordinaire and could fix almost anything that was broken. He used his skills quietly to help others and his calm unassuming manner endeared him to almost everyone. He was grateful to all members of the armed forces and appreciative of anyone who shared a kind word or action.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Panama City and made dear friends in the choir and the weekly prayer group.

He is survived by his son John and wife Pam Forrest of Tallahassee, Florida, his daughter Heather and husband Donnie Keck of Jonesborough, Tennessee, Grandson Cole and wife Brittany Keck of Athens, Alabama, and granddaughter Taylor and husband Jesse Broughton of Jonesborough, Tennessee, along with three great grandsons as well as several nieces and nephews in different parts of the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judy Gross Forrest and his younger brother, Neil Forrest.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.