Longtime community volunteer passes

By Jennifer Brady/The Leeds News

The mood around Leeds was a somber one Tuesday morning as many residents learned that long-time friend, neighbor and volunteer Bob Forman had passed away early that morning.

Forman reportedly suffered a head injury after a fall from a ladder and died late Monday night/early Tuesday morning at 12:16 a.m.

Friends and family said he was doing what he did best – helping others. Forman was also known to have a smile for everyone he met.

“I saw him [Monday] morning when I left the post office and waved,” said Sandra McGuire.

“I’m glad I will have that memory of him with a smile waving at me.”

That sentiment has been echoed all over the city since Forman’s passing. “The City of Leeds has truly lost a legend,” said Kathi Carr.

“He truly was a genuinely good person,” added Georgia Whitfield.

Forman was also known for his selfless volunteerism and love of Leeds athletics. It had often been said that if he even overheard that something at the high school needed to be repaired or just looked at, he would jump on the task at a moment’s notice.

Many remember Forman often just hopping over the fence during games to do a quick fix on something for the football team.

Forman was also selected as the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Citizen of the Year, an award he proudly, but humbly, accepted earlier this year. The distinction was also something many believed he deserved to take home for many years.

Funeral Services will be held today at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Leeds with burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Mr. Forman will lie in state from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday at the church.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Forman, daughters, Susan Laster (Lee), Jenny Killian; grandchildren, Mike Laster, Payne Laster, Drew Laster, Cali Killian, Jake Killian all of Leeds; brothers, Curtis Forman of Suwanee, Ga., Lee Forman of Burton, Texas and Glenn Forman of Sterrett, Ala.