Rev. Joseph Perry Forrest

SALUDA — Rev. Joseph Perry Forrest, 69, of Saluda, died on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Mission Hospital.

A native of and life long resident of Saluda he was born on May 12, 1943 to the late Clarence Forrest and Louise Pace Forrest. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sara Staton and Mary Ann Butler.

Of the Baptist faith, Perry was called to preach on May 21, 1972. He pastored to numerous area churches until 2011. He also worked at General Electric until his retirement in 1999 after 37 years of faithful service. He was an avid lover of bluegrass gospel music and was an extremely talented wood worker.

Above all else Perry loved his God and his Church, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a friend to everyone he met. He will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lucille Forrest; his two daughters, Kelly Anderson and her husband, Ken, of Zirconia, Angela Forrest of Travelers Rest, SC; his grandson, Russell Anderson of Zirconia; his two sisters, Phyllis Levi of Flat Rock, Linda Blackwell of Saluda and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6  until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Mt. Page Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Capps and Rev. Tommy Brashier officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.