GREGORY RAY FORRESTER
March 8, 1967-July 12, 2018
Gregory Ray Forrester passed away July 12, 2018, at the age of 51 from complications of spinocerebellar ataxia, a rare, incurable condition he lived with for more than 30 years.
Greg was born March 8, 1967, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Harold "Hal" and Frances "Skip" Forrester.
He graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in 1985. He attended Lenoir Community College, and studied radio and TV broadcasting.
He worked for Camelot Music for 10 years.
In 1995, Greg answered a call to start a Christian music video ministry called ChristTracks: “A place for encouragement using music, as you walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. This ministry was broadcast on public access channel WHFL for 20 years from 1995 to 2015, initially sponsored by Greg, family and friends until Free Life Ministries assumed sponsorship.
ChristTracks transitioned to an online format in 2015, and was able to reach a broader and larger audience.
Greg received the first annual Vision Award from Free Life Ministries in 1998 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions.
Greg was a longtime member of New Hope United Methodist Church. He was involved in every aspect of worship, mission and education, including teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, playing handbells and leading prayer ministry.
He was honored as Layperson of the Year in 1997 and as a Certified Lay Speaker in 1999. The adult Sunday school classroom was named in his honor in 2015.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Tamara Strickland of Knightdale, and his brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Tammy Forrester of Goldsboro.
Also survived by nieces, Anne Marie Strickland of Raleigh and Sarah Strickland and partner, Drew Myers, of Durham; nephews, Grant Forrester and wif,e Lexi, of Wilmington, Jacob Forrester and partner, Samantha, of Plattsmouth, Neb., and Noah Forrester of Goldsboro.
Greg is also survived by three aunts, two uncles and 17 cousins and their family members all who loved him dearly.
Also survived by sister in-Christ and dear friend, Denise Cooper.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held Sunday, July 15, at 3 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church, 200 E. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, officiated by pastor Stephen Wellman.
Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall.
A private internment will be held Monday at the North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials can be made in his honor to New Hope United Methodist Church or to 3HC Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro.
The family would like to thank 3HC Hospice caregivers, nurse, Brenda Corr, and social worker, Debbie, Wall for their compassionate, loving care and support to Greg and his family.
Funeral arrangements by Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro.
Greg was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was well known for always sharing a corny joke or pun.
He lived out his faith every day despite tremendous challenges, and cared deeply for every soul.
Like his paternal grandfather, the late Ray Forrester, Greg never said an unkind word about anyone. He was a true Christian with a pure heart and a generous spirit.
He is rejoicing in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in reunion with saints who have gone before him.
He will be missed very much by all who loved him.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 15, 2018 3:05 AM