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The end of this life is the beginning of a new life far better, far sweeter, without pain, sickness, sorrow, hurt and most of all no more suffering. To everything there is a reason and a time to every purpose under the heaven, a time to weep and a time of war, and truly there has been war. I can’t fight anymore battles. I’m tired, it’s time to take my rest.

Arnold Lee “Molly” Forbes Jr., 59, of Bogalusa, surrounded by his family, departed life from this world of sin, sorrow, and pain to a place of eternal rest on May 26, 2021.

Arnold was one of 14 siblings born Dec. 29, 1961, in Bogalusa, to the late Arnold Lee Forbes Sr. and his mother, Celia Bell Brown Forbes. He graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1980. He was with the U.S. Army Reserve from Sept. 18, 1984, to April 25, 1986. During that time, he served his country on active duty in the U.S. Army from March 6, 1985, to Aug. 23, 1985.

Arnold was in poor health for 18 years, but never complained. He bore his illness patiently and would often try to make members of the family feel that he was not suffering. He chose to tell the Lord about his suffering. His favorite line was “Thank you Jesus” and Ooooooohhhhh and Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Yeah. Arnold was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. Molly will be remembered for his love and concern for people and devotion to his community and lifelong friends.

Left in God’s care to cherish his memories are his sons, Rego Woodson of Durham, N.C., and Antonio Forbes of Seattle, Wash.; daughter, Ora Forbes of Seattle; mother, Celia Bell Forbes of Bogalusa; sisters, Patricia Gibson, Sandra Cooley, Pamela Forbes, Lenelva (Byron) Tyner, Carol Varnado, Martha Forbes and Shawanda (Brian) Mingo of Bogalusa; brothers, John Forbes of Bogalusa, Brigade Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Oliver (Cynthia) Forbes of Pearland, Texas, and Charles (Sandra) Forbes and Jeffrey (Melinda) Forbes of Bogalusa; aunt, Corrine Watson of Milwaukee, Wis.; sister-in-law, Shirley Forbes of Houston, Texas; special nephew, Jeffrey “Lil Jeff” Forbes Jr. of Seattle; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members; brother from another mother, Donald (Patricia) Lewis of Bogalusa, and family friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Arnold Valentino Forbes III; father, Arnold Lee Forbes Sr.; brother, Jimmy Lee (Thigh) Forbes; sister, Ora Lee Gatlin Bell; paternal grandparents, Oliver and Martha Forbes; maternal grandparents, Jim and Isabel Brown; brothers-in-law, Larry Gatlin, Daniel Gibson, Milton Bell and Donald Ray Varnado; seven uncles and seven aunts.

Friends and family are invited to the drive-by visitation on Friday, June 4, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at the Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, in the chapel of Crain and Sons Funeral Home, 809 E. 3rd St. in Bogalusa, with the Rev. Christopher Matthews officiating. Interment will follow in the veterans’ section at Bogalusa Cemetery.