Forrest Byron Wilson Obituary (2024)

Forrest B. Wilson Jr., age 71, passed away on December 31, 2024 at Arcadia Parkside Nursing Home in Union Gap, Washington. Known by "Jug" or "Junior", Forrest was born on June 21, 1953 in Toppenish, Washington. Forrest loved the lower valley. He grew up in and graduated from Wapato High School in 1971. He spent his career managing orchards, dabbling in entrepreneurship, with collectible coins and sports cards in Zillah, and began retirement working at a convenience store in Toppenish. Fully retired, Forrest enjoyed his home and the wilderness in Goldendale where he loved watching deer, turkeys, and hummingbirds every day in his yard. Melissa made sure Dad received a frog every year on Father's Day and his birthday for his beloved collection. In his spare time, Forrest liked to tinker in his flower garden, watch old TV shows, and watch the Seahawks and other football games on TV. He loved spending the Super Bowl together, eating and watching the game; he and Melissa would have a $5 bet every year and Dad would almost always win. Forrest loved to go through his vast collection of old coins and determine if their value was up or down. He also loved to buy scratch tickets and try to "strike it rich". Forrest enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He always was kind and caring to anyone he knew and met. He loved to spend time at family reunions and catch up with cousins, nieces, and nephews. He talked to many family members and friends on the phone when he couldn't get out anymore and he loved talking to his niece, Jerrilyn in the morning on her way to work as that was their ritual. Forrest loved spending time with his children and grandchildren fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors. He loved taking car rides to see nature's beauty and to see the valley, go get a hot dog and banana milkshake, listen to music, or just visit with family. Dad was always a very good father. He spent a lot of time with his kids through the years, especially with his buddy Little Forrest. Dad called him every day or Little Forrest called Dad to say hi or see what he was doing that day or what he had planned. Every chance he had, Dad told Forrest he loved him; he was his pride and joy. He spent as much time as possible with him until his last day on this earth; Little Forrest meant the world to Dad. Forrest was known by many names to all of us that love him: Daddy, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle Jr. & Jug to name a few. He will always be in our hearts, and he will walk beside us every day even though we can't see him. We love you Dad and will miss you dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest B. Wilson and Grace M. Wilson (Traub), infant sister, Teresa Wilson, sister Phyllis Niva, and brother, Jerry Wilson. Forrest is survived by his wife Eileen Wilson of Goldendale, Washington. Daughters, Nickie Nall (Ed) of Temple, Texas, Teresa Green of Kennewick, Washington, Melissa Metzker (Howard) of Yakima, Washington, and Erin Elkins (Brent) of Yakima, Washington. Sons, Forrest B. Wilson III of Yakima, Washington, Brian O'Connor (Jody) of Yakima, Washington, and Bryan Welch (Haley) of Yakima, Washington. Grandchildren, Christopher Nall (Casey), Justin Nall (Dwayne), Katrina Green, Brianna Nowlin (Chevy), Shieann Metzker, Frank Procella, Jordan O'Connor, Patience Welch, and Stella Welch. Great grandchildren, PJ Smith, Branndon Norris and two babies on the way, along with numerous nieces and nephews. We want to thank everyone that visited, called, and checked on Forrest while he was in the nursing homes and know that he loved each and every one of you up to his last breath. A celebration of life to be held in June. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.