Forest Clifton Tarry

As we gather in the spirit of celebration, to honor the life of a patriarch of the Tarry family, our hearts are heavy, but we must accept God’s will and honor him for the ninety-seven beautiful years he allowed our loved one to remain here on Earth. The Lord can and will heal the poor in spirit and the broken-hearted.

 
The life of Forest Clifton Tarry began in Clarksville, Virginia on December 8, 1923. He was the fifth of eight children born to Stith Tarry and Blanche Lewellyn Tarry in Clarksville, Virginia. As a child, his parents instilled in each of their children the importance of family, integrity, dignity, and honesty. Forest utilized these characteristics as a foundation that led to many of his lifetime achievements and accolades. 

Forest attended the public schools of Mecklenburg County and was a 1941 graduate of West End High School, Clarksville, Virginia. After graduation, he worked in construction and lived in Arlington, Virginia. On May 14, 1943, at the age of 19, Forest joined the United States Army. His military career afforded him the opportunity to serve his country both abroad and within the states. In 1953, he entered the Army Reserves earning the rank of Sergeant Major Forest Tarry while serving his country faithfully and honorably until his retirement on December 8, 1983. He also attended Howard University.

In 1946, Forest met the lovely Essie Louise Freeman. After a noticeably short courtship, they entered holy matrimony on December 20, 1946 and shared their lives together for 59 years. To this union, one child, Patricia Althea was born. As a couple, their spiritual union began at Asbury United Methodist Church. Several years later, he and Essie joined their daughter Patricia, as converts to Catholicism, and became a member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Washington, DC. In later year, Forest moved his membership to St. John Baptist de la Salle, Chillum, Maryland. Forest was a brilliant man that was always searching for ways to improve his intellectual capabilities. In 1948, he secured a job with the United States Postal Service as a clerk. Throughout his postal career, he worked in many capacities before retiring in 1980 as a Postal Inspector. Forest Clifton Tarry was an adventurous individual who was an avid traveler. Traveling was a spontaneous event, which he was zealous about. He had a unique sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Behind the laughter was an outspoken, no nonsense individual who detested mediocracy. After the transitioning of the love of his life and seeking a more peaceful and serene lifestyle during his senior years, Forest moved South and settled on Saint Simons Island, Georgia with his beautiful and loving daughter, Patricia. While living in the Saint Simons Island area, he worshipped at Saint William Catholic Church, Saint Simons Island. Forest remained on Saint Simons Island and enjoyed a peaceful life until he transitioned on February 20, 2021, at the age of ninety-seven.

He was preceded in death by, his parents; the love of his life, his wife, Essie Louise; and six siblings.

He leaves his legacy to live on with his family as they celebrate his life, love, and memories. Forest will be sadly missed by: his loving daughter, Patricia Tarry of St Simons Island, GA, one sister, Olivia Shepherd, Douglasville, Georgia; one sister-inlaw, Gladys King, Cincinnati, Ohio; a host of nieces, nephews, adopted family, and friends