Dr. Thomas Ward Forrest, native of Hampton, passed away on April 7th. He was 73 years old. He was predeceased by his father, William Otis Forrest; mother, Pearl Elizabeth Forrest; brother, William Otis Forrest, Jr.; and sister, Jean Forrest Greene. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diane Williams Forrest; his brother and sister-in-law, Edward Spencer Forrest and Nancy Elliott Forrest; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Elizabeth Forrest Jennings, Shelley Diane Haywood and Brian Haywood, Emily Forrest Pritchett and Aaron Pritchett, and Annie Forrest Michalec and Matthew Michalec; nine grandchildren, five nephews and one niece. His family was the most important part of his life and he devoted everything he had to them. Earning his Bachelor's degree at Carson-Newman University, Master's degree at Appalachian State University, and his Educational Specialist degree and Doctorate at The College of William and Mary, he devoted a lifetime of service to others through the gift of music. He was a master educator as well as a minister utilizing his abundant talent in singing, piano and organ to educate and touch many lives. He taught in public school systems, including Hampton and Newport News, and at the university level. He was Director of Choral Studies, Instructor of Voice and Music at Washington and Lee University, where he organized and developed the first University Women's Singers for the college. He also was Director of Choral Studies and Instructor of Voice at Christopher Newport University, Instructor of Voice at The College of William and Mary, and Instructor of Piano at Carson-Newman University. Dr. Forrest also dedicated himself to various churches throughout his life. He served Memorial Baptist, Trinity United Methodist, Stevens Memorial Baptist, Hilton Baptist, First Baptist of Staunton, VA, First Baptist of NN, Hilton Presbyterian, West Hampton Baptist, Liberty Baptist, Rumple-Memorial Presbyterian in NC, Lincoln Avenue Baptist in TN, and Community Presbyterian. He was responsible for pioneering the organization, administration, and implementation of the School of Music at First Baptist of Newport News and at First Baptist of Staunton. He retired in 2006 as Administrator of the Fine Arts and Communications Magnet Program at Woodside High School. Dr. Forrest was a member of Hampton Baptist Church and the Warwick Ruritan Club. The family wants to extend appreciation and a very special thank you to Dr. Brian McCormick and his staff for their devoted care. The memorial service for Dr. Forrest will be held at Hampton Baptist Church on Thursday, April 13, at 1 pm followed by a reception in his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org or to the Building Fund for Hampton Baptist Church, 40 Kings Way, Hampton, VA 23669.