Tribute to Bob Forman

1941-2009

My family and I have been given the great honor of knowing Mr. Bob and his family for a long time.  He was such a wonderful Christian example for us as we watched him minister to people in our church and in our community.  He never had an unkind word to say about anyone and he always went out of his way to help people.  His love and devotion to God and to his family was evident in everything he did.  We are also going to miss hearing him sing praises to God as a member of the FBC Choir.

We here on earth have lost a great man, but we can take peace in knowing that he is now in heaven with our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Forman Family, for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with all of us.  We have been truly blessed!!

The Saunier Family

Bob was like a second father to me.  When my daughter and I moved, he would stop by to check on us.  He was our handyman, helping us with little things and even changing the locks on the doors!  Over the past several years, I had the privilege of working alongside Bob on the Booster Club.  His energy and genuine love for the kids out their on the field warmed my heart.  I have many fond memories of Bob, and know that he will be dearly missed.

 

Chris Barentz

Leeds, Alabama

My heart goes out to the family.  I'm sorry to hear about this and I'm praying for the family.
God will never leave you......
 
Love Margaret Abercrombie and family.........


 
 Margaret Abercrombie

I had the great pleasure of getting to know Bob Foreman over the last few years. I spent many a day and night sitting in the stands with Bob, which is where you want to be if you want to get most out of a Leeds game. I used to tell him that I was going to have a T-shirt made for him that said " I Always Have A Game", because he did.... He was not only one of the biggest backers of every sport in Leeds, but he enjoyed it more than anyone else there. This is an obvious fact, because Bob never had one negative thing to say about the players, the coaches or anybody (okay maybe the refs did get an occasional comment). He will be tremendously missed and certainly never replaced.
         My son, who played on the football and baseball team this past year, and always got a kind word from Bob at every game, did make a point. He said that you never want to lose someone like Bob and we all wanted him around for many years to come. But if you had to pick a year to go and you loved Leeds Athletics like he did, what a year this was. We hope to, but may not ever have, another year like that, and we certainly won't ever have another Bob Foreman.



Eric G. Turner

To the Family & Friends of Bob Forman,

My heart breaks for us in this time of tragedy.  Bob's passing has affected me as if I have lost a parent or sibling.  That says a lot about him & his character.  My family will miss him tremendously.

I think what I shared with the Athletic Booster Club Officers this morning says it all:

"This is an unbelievable tragedy for us here in the Leeds community to have to deal with, but the thing to really look at is that Jesus Christ has just gained an incredible foot soldier!"


Sincerely,

Dennis A. Ashley

To the Foreman Family:

My prayers are with you all. Mr. Bob was such a special individual.

I had the extreme pleasure of getting to work with Mr. Bob this year.

I was new to the area and he truly made me feel welcome and at home.

I am going to miss his Beautiful Smile.

 

The Community of Leeds has truly lost a very "SPECIAL PERSON"

He will be missed by us all.

 

May God be with you.

 

Sincerely,

Diann McSweeney

Moody, Al

I loved Bob and don't know of too many people who did not know and love him.
I worked with Bob on the Leeds Educational Assistance Foundation Board and
also with the Leeds Athletic Boosters.  He was the hardest worker I've ever
known and did so much without ever being asked. There are not too many Bobs
out in the world today.  He was a shining example of the kind of person we
should all strive to be. My sympathy, prayers and love go out to his family.
He will be truly missed.  Beth Pool

I had the pleasure of serving with Bob on the Educational Foundation.  He was always willing to serve graciously.  It didn’t matter what you asked of him, he always said yes.  I think he will have a special place in heaven.  My prayers go out to the family at this very sad time.   Vicky Dean

Every small town has its hometown heroes - the men who work tirelessly
for anyone and everyone - helping wherever and whenever the need arises
- Leeds just unexpectedly lost one of these most valued men - their
generation is one to be admired and respected so much and everyone in
this city will greatly miss Bob Forman and his presence around town.
Brent and I want to thank his family for allowing him to give so much of
himself to others even at the expense of his time with them.  We are
especially grateful for his contribution to the sports program at Leeds
High School.  We are praying for you during this time.

 

Brent and Leigh Ann Reese

Bob Foreman was the most positive person I've ever come across. He loved his family, he loved his community, he love our children. I never, in all the years I associated with Bob, heard a cross or unkind word out of him. He was tireless in working for all of the athletic programs as well as everything else that mattered to him. And the best thing that he did, in my opinion, was instill those values in his children and grandchildren. His legacy will live on through them and his memory will be treasured by all he touched. I want to offer my condolences to his family and let them know how much I enjoyed knowing this wonderful man.
 
Thank you again for providing this opportunity.
Kathy Merrell-Hobson

Bob touched the lives of many people in Leeds and those in the Air National Guard in which he held one of the highest positions of leadership.  He was involved in numerous  organizations in Leeds, served on the Board of Directors of the Leeds Historical Society and as an officer in the Leeds Lions Club.  He and Betty were faithful members of the Leeds First Baptist Church.

I appreciate Bob for watching over the "Grand Old Lady of the Valley" (Rowan Oaks) after the historical society restored it.  For the past several years he rendered special care to this historic old farm house as the Society's maintenance/repairman in residence.  This good man will be sorely missed by many in our community and we extend our deepest sympathy to Betty, their children and grandchildren and other family members over their loss.

Marie Cromer

I would like to express my sympathy to the Bob Foreman Family.  I love each
of you and my prayers will be with you as you go through this difficult
time.  I know that my words offer little or no comfort, but I will ask God
to cradle you and comfort you as only He can.  I know that way, each of you
will be well taken care of.  I only knew Mr. Bob in a casual way but I would
like to say briefly, "What a eager man he was to lend a hand to anyone at
any time.  I NEVER heard Mr. Bob speak of himself, .only how he could help
someone.  What a mighty man!!  I know you are proud of him and my life has
been touched by his example."

 

My love and prayers,

 

Anita C. Smith and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bob Forman.   May God lift you all up and be with you during this difficult time. 

Greg and Stacye Pilkington and family

Mr. Forman was the most admirable human being I have known. Most people I know, me included, talk and complain about how things should be done. Mr. Forman spoke with his behavior and avoided the pettiness. The city of Leeds will have to really come together to make up for the unselfishness that we've lost and that he always exemplified. Thank you Mr. Forman for helping to show me how a man should live his life. Jeff Thomas

We all pray for the Forman family, at this time of  great loss. Bob was a
great role model and a pillar in our community. As a father  I hope that I can
show as much love and devotion to my family everyday the way  he did. We will
miss him so much, that handshake he gave every time he saw  you, that smile,&
his favorite question” do you need any help?” There is no way  to put into
words what Bob meant to me or our community. All I can say is God  must have had
something he needed fixed so he called Bob up to do it. We Love  you and
will miss you everyday Mr.  Forman.                 
 
 
Dennis Phillips & family

Bob Forman was a man who showed the world what being a Christian really is.   I think his life was and will continue to be a shining light in the world.  Whether it was his church,  his  schools, his  community or his family and friends, he was always the same dedicated individual, working to make things better.  What a loss for all of us!  God bless his family and give them peace.   Jerry and Pat Sewell

Mr. Bob was a special man. He touched many people and set a great example for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we will miss him dearly. God Bless!

Randy, Penny and Kelsea Little

Word's can not express my gratefulness to God for allowing me to have known
Bob.  He was a great Christian, family man, civic leader, and example to
all.  While I admired him through his dedicated service to Christ at FBC
Leeds, perhaps my fondest memory will always be the excitement of standing
with him at the Leeds Championship Game and joining his excitement for his
grandson, the team, and the city as the Championship was won.  For a man of
fairly small stature, he sure could give a mighty strong "High Five".
Betty, Jenny, Susan, and family you are in our prayers and on our hearts.
While we join you in the grief of this sudden loss, my heart is overjoyed at
the thought of Bob in Heaven giving "High Fives" and celebratory praise to
Christ and the hosts of heaven. 

 

God bless you all during this time,

 

Rev Tim Moore and family

I really don't know where to begin.  Mr. Foreman has been like a family member
to me, he has shown me how to be a better human being.  I first met Mr. Foreman
approx. six years ago; our first conversation left me thinking I have found a
friend for life.  Like many others, I have had to call on Mr. Foreman for so
many things over the years and he has gladly accommodated every request.  I know
that his soul is in heaven with our Lord.  I hate to see such a fine man leave
this earth, however he has left a mark in this community that will forever be
remembered.  It has been my honor to know you and to have you be a part of my
life.  I love you and all the Leeds Basketball team loves you!  May the Lord
keep your family during this difficult time.

Coach Turner

To the Foreman and Laster Family,

I would just like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.  Bob Foreman was an outstanding man.  He has made such an impact on me and my family.  His commitment to his wife, children, and grand children has been an example for me to follow as a husband and a father.  Bob has been an unmeasurable asset to all the sports programs at Leeds High School.  He has given so many hours of hard work to help the young men and women of Leeds City Schools.  He will be deeply missed.  

With Love,


Keith Etheredge and Family
The Leeds High School Football Team
and The Leeds High School Coaching Staff

The world has lost a great man. Never have I seen anyone with such a kind
and giving heart. Athletics nor church will be the same without "Mr. Bob."
His life was a guide to the Christian walk. I consider it an honor and a
privilege to have been able to spend time around him. To the family I
would like you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. You all have
my number and if there is anything you need don't hesitate to call.

-Ashley Carlisle

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time. Words do not
adequately express our sorrow over the passing of Bob Forman.  The impact of
the lives he touched are across all ages including children, youth, young
adult to middle and senior adults. Bob was an incredible man with an
incredible spirit of generosity and service. On a personal note, I loved to
cook for Bob, because no matter what I cooked, he always acted as if he
loved it, and always went back for seconds (and sometimes thirds). He always
made you feel special. He lived his life to make a difference. 

 

Mark & Karen Williams

Our hearts are so sad tonight!  We count ourselves lucky that we knew such a man as Bob Forman.  He was a pillar in this community and will be missed so much.  His dedication to his faith, family and community should be emulated by us all.  We count it a privilege to call him our FRIEND!
Our prayers will be with the family.
Charles, Earline & Toby Banks

Bob Forman is a person who ranks at the top of my list of great men. I have only been in Leeds for the past few years, but since that time I could not ask for a better mentor and friend. He was always a true southern gentleman, a person whom I never heard complain, a genuine hard worker and one who would always put others first. Leeds has truly lost one of her best. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the community during this time. Love you all!

Lora Carroll

The Leeds News 

Bob Forman has touched the lives of so many people. When I congratulated him for being chosen the Citizen of the Year, he said he didn't deserve it . Bob was one of the most humble people I have ever met. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with him on the Leeds Education Foundation. He always had a smile on his face that made me smile!
My sympathies to the family and the community. Bob Forman was a true servant of the Lord, he understood what life on earth was about.

Celia Smith

Our hearts are truly saddened by the death of Bob Forman.  For many

years he has been a shining example to our family with his many kind

words and deeds, his service to the community, his leadership at First

Baptist, and especially through his devotion to his family.  He was a

tireless worker who was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed

help.  His love of the Lord was evident to all of those who saw him

serving First Baptist on committees, as Chairman of the Deacons, as a

choir member, as a Sunday School director, and in so many other ways.

Bob was always friendly, eager to help, and ready to express a kind or

encouraging word.  He was very proud of his family and showed his love

to them in many ways, including his participation in and support of

their activities. We take comfort in knowing that he is now in the arms

of the Lord Jesus Christ.    

To Betty, Susan, Jenny and all of Bob's family members, our prayers are

with you as you go through this difficult time.

Randy, Judy, Emily and Robert Ray

Mr. Bob loved God, his family and Leeds! He was very positive about

everything. He never talked negatively about people or situations and always

had a solution. Mr. Bob would not tell you something needed to be done, he

would just roll up his sleeves, do it and move on to the next task. I never

saw him do anything for himself, he was always working on something for

someone else. His death has had a profound impact on me and everyone who

knew him. My prayers are with you Mrs. Betty, Susan (Lee), Jenny and the

grand kids, Mr. Bob would walk through fire for you all. May it comfort you

to know that he is now in the presence of our Lord. 

Sabrina Rose

The Forman & Lastner Family    We have know your family since 1981, when our family moved to Leeds.  Mr. Bob and  Betty, you were always around doing something for Leeds weather it be at church working, Leeds High School  , Middle or Elementary working or watching a game (mostly working), and about the communityworking. I can't forget  all the work that you have done with the band over the years.  Your christian walk & attitude was always great to have around.  Bob  will be missed and no one will be able to fill those shoes. There are just no enough Bob Formans around but I am sure and I know that  he has left A GREAT  IMPACT on LEEDS ALABAMA in one place or another if not in many.    

Your family are in our  thoughts and Prayers,

Bro. James & Pansy Blair

Bob was more than a good man. I do not know at what point you might exceed just being a good man but Bob was way past that level. He embodied every good human quality most of us would like to possess. Bob freely gave his time, money and talent to anyone in need. He also distributed a lot of wisdom if you were fortunate enough to spend a little time with him. It is a sad time for those of us left on this earth without Bob but there are a bunch of happy folks in heaven. I just hope God has and endless supply of Slim Jims and Snicker bars. As a community we have lost a very good friend.

Gary & Beverly Pool

MR. FORMAN,WAS A GREAT MAN.  MR. FORMAN AND I HELPED OWEN DRAKE GET ELECTED TO THE STATE HOUSE.  A LOT OF PEOPLE IN LEEDS WILL MISS HIM. MRS. FORMAN, SUSAN, JENNY, AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE IN  MY PRAYERS .

TOBY

Our deepest  sympathy goes to the Forman family.  I can honestly say that there is not one person in Leeds including people who do not know Mr. Bob that has not been touched in some way  by some act that he has performed for our community.  He was truly a great man and will be missed.  Heaven  received a new angel this week and I know he will be watching over us.  Our prayers are with you.

Keith, Tracy,  and Brandon Black

The ANG Federal Credit Union staff would like to send our thoughts and
prayers to the family of Mr. Robert Forman. As one of our Board of
Directors, Mr. Forman's service

has been invaluable to the members of  ANG Federal Credit Union for many
years. His many hours served as a volunteer has enriched the credit union
beyond measure, as well as those who were fortunate enough to work here and
know him as a member.  Always well informed, polite, considerate and devoted
to whatever endeavor he was involved in, his presence will most assuredly be
missed by fellow directors, employees and members of ANG. Thank you, Mr.
Forman, for the time that you spent with us. We appreciate the distinguished
service of which you gave to our members and to us.   

 

Horace Hulsey 

TO the Forman Family On Behalf of the Tower of Prayer Church family. We hereby, express our heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Bro. Forman a man with a servant heart. It is our prayer that the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your heart and mind in perfect peace. May the legacy of service and love inspire this community to be what it is called to be.  

In His Service,

Pastor Shaemun Webster
Tower of Prayer

On the day of Bob's passing, what a party they had in Heaven - to see one that has done so much with His name on earth - come home!? There is no way for us to express the feeling of loss for Bob here on earth, but Heaven is rejoicing with crowns abounding.

Tim and Linda Hendrix

My first memory of Mr. Bob was when I came to Leeds to teach about 5 years ago.  I had seen Bob around at sporting events prior to this, but had not had the pleasure of getting to know him!  Bob and Payne helped put up blinds in my classroom about 2 days before school started that year.  This was just the beginning of many things that Bob would fix for me!  (and Bro. Ray...I happen to know that he DID break that knife rule....he pulled it out to cut a piece of the blinds off!) Every time that I saw Bob, he was smiling and positive!  He had a way of making you glad that you were alive and sharing this earthly space with him.  We had a conversation about a week ago about how wonderful things were beginning to look for our schools and the community as a whole!  Everytime he spoke about his family and/or Leeds, there was a sparkle in his eye!  I only hope that my children turn out to be half the person Bob Forman was!  He will truly be missed...by
 my family and countless others!  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
 
Miriam, Jesse and Elise Turner