Lawrence Glenn "Buddy" Forrester, Jr., of Canton, Georgia, peacefully passed away on December 27th, 2018, at Northside Hospital Cherokee after a brief illness. He was born in Canton, Georgia on September 24th, 1929, to the late Lawrence Glenn and Isabell Floyd Forrester as an only child. He was preceded in death by his stepmother Annie Mae Forrester.

Buddy graduated from Canton High School and Reinhardt College. He was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then graduated from the University of Georgia, Atlanta Division (later to become Georgia State University) with a B.B.A. in Accounting. He held numerous Controller and Financial Management positions in local industry, including Vice President of Finance for Canton Textile Mills, Controller for Lester Laboratories in Atlanta, Financial Manager for American Candy Company in Selma, AL, and Controller for DBS Manufacturing in Atlanta. He was also the co-owner and later owner of Canton Dodge-Chrysler-Plymouth in Canton, Georgia, for many years.

Buddy married the love of his life, Betty Rose Tippens, on June 10th of 1953. He was a devoted husband to Betty for 65 years and took great pleasure in all his family activities. He was welcomed into the large Tippens' family with open arms. Coming from a very small nuclear family, entering the Tippens clan was a great pleasure to him. He enjoyed his relationships with all his numerous sisters and brothers in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relations. He became a bedrock of stability and advice to all his extended family members.

Buddy was known for his calm personality and his ability to handle the stresses of daily life with aplomb. He treated all other persons with kindness and respect. Buddy was a devoted father to his three sons and was always there for them in good times and bad. He also took a great interest in his grandchildren, attending with pleasure all their numerous school and extracurricular activities, and took them on many camping trips and Disney World excursions. He was a role model for all husbands and fathers who wish to be loved and respected by their families.

The other major love that was deep in Buddy's soul was his love of the church. After marrying Betty, he became a member of Sardis Baptist Church in the Clayton community of Cherokee County. He avidly worshiped the Lord and was a fixture at Sardis for over 60 years. He held many offices for the church including Sunday school teacher, secretary/treasurer, deacon, head deacon, song leader, and choir director. Buddy loved his church family, and they held a special place in his heart. You could usually find him on Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday night at Sardis Baptist Church.

Buddy is survived by his dear wife Betty, sons Brian (Marcheta) Forrester of Athens, GA., Barry (Juanita) Forrester of Jasper, GA., and Greg Forrester of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren Kelly (Ryan) Kaysen of Atlanta, GA., Kyle Forrester of Atlanta, GA., Annabelle Forrester of Canton, GA., and Mary Forrester of Jasper, GA.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Amy Manous, the entire staff at Cameron Hall Assisted Living, and special friend and caregiver Robin Brooks, all of whom made Buddy's final years so pleasant.

Visitation will be held at Darby Funeral Home in Canton on Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 30, 2018, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The funeral will follow on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Sardis Baptist Church, with Reverend Kenny Morris officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Sardis Baptist Church, 392 Sardis Circle, Canton, GA 30114. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Forrester Family.