Billy Ray Forinash (Bill), age 94, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026. Bill was born on April 11,1932 to Loyse Carty Forinash and Glen David Forinash in Raymondville, Missouri. The family soon moved to Irondale, Missouri where Bill spent most of his youth, graduating from Irondale High School and attending Flat River Junior College. At age 20, he joined the United States Navy and had a 20+ year career in various US homeports, serving on submarines and other ships as a missile technician. He was particularly proud of serving on the USS James Monroe (SSBN- 622) as part of the ballistic nuclear submarine fleet. Bill was also an instructor for several years at Dam Neck Naval Station Virginia Beach, VA. After retiring from the Navy as a chief in 1973, he joined IBM as a field service technician and spent another 20 years doing a job he truly loved – “fixing things” – also lovingly called by his family “diddlefarting”. He greatly enjoyed sailing the Chesapeake Bay, woodworking, repairing clocks, and following the politics of the day.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Joan Eaton Forinash, and by his dear friend and companion of 16 years, Elizabeth Heath. He is survived by a daughter, Melissa Forinash (Fred Wanner) of Hollywood SC and a son, Michael Forinash (Amy) of Montross, VA. He is also survived by a brother, Donald Forinash (Sandra) of Ocala FL, and a sister, Delaine Schlemeier (Ken) of Farmington MO. He was blessed with two grandchildren, Joshua Forinash (Kelly) and Jessica Henline (Ty), four sweet great-granddaughters, many nieces, nephews and grand-niece Kellyn Ursin.

The family is sincerely grateful to Heartland Hospice and their admirable commitment to making his final days more comfortable and peaceful. A semi-private graveside service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, it is requested donations or memorials be made in his name to Heartland Hospice in Newport News VA or St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hampton, VA.