Rufus Forrest

Forever in our hearts…….

……Always in Gods Grace

Rufus Lee Forrest peacefully transitioned from this life at 10:21 pm on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at

the Danville Veterans Affairs Hospital. Rufus was born on December 9,1952 in Charleston, Mississippi to the late Ernest and Adlena Shepherd

Forrest. He attended Danville High School graduating in 1971. After spending some time working vari-

ous jobs, Rufus later enlisted and became an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army

earning his ribbons in Riffle Marksmanship and as a Hand Grenade Sharpshooter.

Rufus met and found his forever love with Daisy Ford and they shared almost 30 years together.

Rufus embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, play dominoes and spades.

He loved his grandkids and great grandkids with Terrence Tinsley being spoiled the most. All the niec-

es and nephews called Rufus "Snacks" because he made sure he kept them fed anytime they were at

his house.

Rufus was an avid sports fan with the Los Angeles Lakers being his favorite Basketball Team. Rufus ac-

quired his own tribe of fans during his high-school sports career by becoming a monster defensive end

and one of the first African American players to kick field goals at DHS while being a part of an unde-

feated football team in 1970.

He was a part of the sweet 16 Highschool basketball team in the 70's. Being coached by Daniel Walls,

Rufus continued to excel on the basketball court playing with his good friends, Dwight Lucas, Leroy

Williams, Michael March, Charlie Evans, Kenny Sanders, and others as they became the first team to be

crowned dustbowl champions in 1973. His love for sports didn’t stop when he stopped playing, He

shared his knowledge of the game with the youth of Danville as he coached the Lincoln Raiders for

many years.

Rufus is survived by his life partner, Daisy Ford; his children, Coach Marcus (Tabatha) Forrest of Dan-

ville, IL, Coach Damien (Amber) Forrest of San Antonio, TX, Coach Jeremy (Kelly) Forrest of Chaska, MN,

Robert (Tabitha) Ford II of Glenn Heights, TX, Denitria Ford Williams of Dallas, TX; Grandchildren,

La’Brea, Te’Von, Amaya, Camille, Aimoria, Journey, Darius, Jaylen, Jeremy Jr. Tyler, Kanisha, Dominique,

R’Shya, Zakiya, Rob’Tavion, Exzavion; Great Grandchildren, Terrence, Zayden, Lonza, Lazae; Two sisters,

Dorothy Henderson of Cayce, SC and Ruby (Daniel) Walls of Danville, IL; Two brothers, Charles (Bud)

Forrest of Danville, IL and Willie Forrest of Indianapolis, IN;

 Special in laws, Shirley Duncan, David(Tywon) Gouard, George Gouard, Loretta (Bobby) Clark, Terry Gouard, Doretha (Donald) Ingram and, Stanley (Chasity) Gouard; and other family members who loved him dearly.

Rufus was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Adlena Forrest; fraternal grandparents, John

Wesley and Pansy Miller; maternal grandparents, Teddy and Eddie Mae Shepherd; brothers, Norman

(Dickie) Forrest and Paul Forrest; Aunts, Myran Jean Staple and Rosemary Martin.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 11:00 am on Monday November 8, 2021 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Eulogist: Elder Fredrick Cowen. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Danville National Cemetery.

 A public viewing will be held on Sunday October 7, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St., Danville from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 am. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rufus Forrest, please visit our floral store.