Forrest Monroe Whittington, 75, of Florence, SC went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 23, 2025.

A lifetime South Carolinian, he was born in Charleston and reared in Loris by his exemplary parents.  The late Dr. Forrest Brooks Whittington and Evelyn Rhodes Whittington instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, humility and service to others – principles that would guide him throughout his life.

He followed in his father's footsteps as a proud graduate of Clemson University, earning a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Water Resources Engineering.  He rarely missed a football game and showed his Tiger spirit wherever he went – especially after a big win.  Clemson traditions were shared with his children, two of whom went on to become Clemson graduates as well – three generations of Tiger pride.

Forrest had a deep love and respect for both God and country and was a proud Army veteran.  While at Clemson, he completed the Army ROTC program and upon graduation was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  He went on to serve proudly in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge.

The early years of his professional employment were with the Harwood Beebe Engineering Company, where he became licensed as both a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor.  The remaining 37 years of his career were spent with the City of Florence.  Throughout his tenure, he served as the City Engineer, Utilities Department Manager and Engineering Division Manager.  Known for his intelligence, integrity and a keen way with words, he left a lasting mark on the City, its residents and his coworkers.

Forrest was a faithful Christian whose walk with the Lord shaped his world view and approach to life.  As a 25-year member of Immanuel Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member and was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.  In 2002, he joined Cornerstone Baptist Church as a charter member, participated in many outreach events and remained actively involved in his journey group.  His faith was not just something he spoke of, it was something he lived daily.

An avid outdoorsman, Forrest found genuine pleasure in nature, hunting and "gentleman farming."  One of his greatest joys was cultivating fields and managing water levels to enhance wildlife habitat and create hunting opportunities.  Whether riding on "Ole Blue" (his 1970 Ford tractor,) hunting with his family or simply checking on the fields with one of his loyal Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Forrest was most at home in God's creation.  His work at the family farm created a legacy of lasting memories for his children and grandchildren to treasure.

Forrest was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 52 years, Cheryl Williams Whittington.  Their marriage was a testament of steadfast love.  They were committed to God, cherished each other and had an appreciation for simple joys in life, such as a ride through the country, a warm fire, a trip to the beach, a great joke and home-cooking.

He loved his family well.  Surviving in addition to his wife, Cheryl, are his two sons, Daniel Forrest (Carolyn) Whittington, Joshua Duvall (Haley) Whittington; daughter, Lee Whittington (Dustin) Ousley; grandchildren, Nathan Whittington, Emma Whittington, Rutledge Whittington, Wren Whittington, River Whittington, Brooks Ousley and Mae Ousley; sister, Elizabeth (Todd) Tyner; and many nieces and nephews.

Forrest's most significant legacy will be the unwavering love, support, strength and character he passed down to his family, an enduring impact that will echo through generations.  He will be deeply missed, lovingly revered and forever honored.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00am at Cornerstone Baptist Church located at 2930 Master's Way, Darlington, SC 29532.  The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either:

Cornerstone Baptist Church's International and Domestic Missions at the aforementioned address, or

International BBFI missionaries and friends of the family, Grant and Rebecca Skelton, through a special gift offering made directly through https://bbfimissions.com/missionary/grant-and-rebecca-skelton.