Forrest Strader Wagoner, 1911-1992

Forrest Strader Wagoner was born November 23, 1911, in the small town of Brown Summit, North Carolina. He was educated in the public schools of North Carolina and then graduated from High Point College (1934) and Westminster Theological Seminary (1937).

His first appointment in 1937 was Creswell, North Carolina, which was followed by the following appointments: Philadelphia, Waverly, Corinth, Chester, Zion (Seaford), Fairmount Park, Memorial (Appomattox), Walmsley Boulevard, Trinity (Roanoke), and Ebenezer, Kinsale from which he retired in 198O, after 44 years of faithful service.

Dr. A. Purnell Bailey, a longtime friend of Forrest, wrote of his ministry: "He was a modest but earnest proclaimer of the Gospel. Little children loved him, and his ministry to them was by example as well as word. Forrest loved the United Methodist Church and the four decades-plus that he gave to congregations in the conference, leaving a trail of devoted service. People trusted him! He was my friend in sharing the love of our Lord Jesus. I treasure the memory of his friendship."

His first wife, the late Frances Williams, died in 1968 and from this marriage there are three lovely children: a son, Forrest, II; and daughters, Jane and Mary. Forrest found another great love and, in 1977, married Charlotte Thomas.

He died on December 25, 1992, after a long illness. Funeral services were held at Memorial United Methodist Church, Appomattox, on December 27, 1992, by his minister and friend, the Rev. Joseph L. Lotts.

 

-Joseph L. Lotts