William Forbus Obituary

Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Ret.) William "Bill" Dupree Forbus, 76, a longtime resident of Socastee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home in Veterans Village, Florence, SC. Born on June 11, 1949, in Amory, Mississippi, he was the son of the late William Clyde Forbus and Robbie Elizabeth Jackson Forbus. Throughout his distinguished 27-year career in the United States Air Force, Chief Forbus earned an associate degree in administration and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Resources Management. His military education included completion of the Airman Leadership School, the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy, and the United States Air Force Senior NCO Academy. Chief Forbus served in a variety of roles during his military tenure, including administration, information management, and intelligence. His assignments took him around the world, with postings in Bonn, Germany; Canberra, Australia; Osan, Korea; Montgomery, AL; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Shaw AFB, SC. He was honored to serve with the United States Defense Attaché Office (USDAO) and at several American embassies abroad. After retiring from active duty, he continued his professional journey as a production supervisor and personnel specialist at AVX Corporation. His dedication to service led him to a second career as an Aerospace Science Instructor in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Socastee High School, from which he retired in 2014. A commemorative marker honoring his life and military service is located at 800 Gabreski Lane, at the Base Recreation Center in the Market Common. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Ann "Barbi" Newell Forbus, and his brother, Robert "Bob" Forbus. He is survived by his two sons: Brian D. Forbus and his wife, Kristi, of Conway, SC, and their children, Cole and Georgia; and Bradley J. Forbus and his wife, Cassie, of Lowville, NY, and their daughter, Adaleia. He is also survived by his older brother, Jack (Lynda), and his sister, Bettye (Bill). A private family service will be held in Mississippi at a later date. Chief Forbus was an avid Mississippi State fan and recently created an endowed scholarship that will support Air Force ROTC cadets at Mississippi State University. To honor his devotion to service and leadership, donations may be made to his scholarship through the following link: https://dda.msstate.edu/give-now?f=502875 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Ret.) William "Bill" Dupree Forbus, please visit our floral store.