Willy E. Forbes passed away peacefully at his home in Fayetteville, NC on July 7, 2026. He was born and raised in Buckingham County, the son of Charlie and Mildred Forbes, Willy had 13 brothers and sisters, survived by his brother Luther Forbes.

He dedicated over 30 years of honorable service to the United States Army, achieving the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major (E9). His distinguished career included serving as CSM with the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, as well as the 325th Infantry Regiment.

A dedicated 11B Infantryman, he completed two combat tours in Vietnam and contributed to operations in Lebanon, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic. His highly decorated career is marked by the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with 6th Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with 5th Oak Leaf Cluster), Combat Infantry Badge, and the Master Parachute Badge.

He is survived by his beloved spouse, Charlotte Forbes; his three sons, David Forbes, Shawn Forbes, and Carlton Forbes; and his cherished grandchildren, Alex Forbes, Adam Forbes, and Ashleigh Forbes.