William Denton "Bill" Forbes Sr., 79, of Dawsonville, died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.

Born in Westchester, Pa., Mr. Forbes grew up in Binghamton, N.Y. He moved from Lockport, Ill. to Dawson County 16 years ago. He spent his working career in commercial trucking and was last employed by Leon Jones Feed and Grain.

He was a graduate of Bob Jones University.

His parents, Marion and Helen Forbes preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Shirley Forbes of Dawsonville; children, Sherry and Gary Schoeppey of Hackett, Ark., Melody Yeary, Valerie "Sis" Spanos, both of Joliet, Ill., William D. Jr. and Denise Forbes, Marc Forbes, Jason Forbes, Jessica Phillips, all of Dawsonville, Julie Forbes of Cumming, Jennifer and Don Bilthuis of Custer Park, Ill.; brother and sister-in-law, Merwin and Carol Forbes of Indiana; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sammy Harben officiating.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.