Stanley Lewis Forester's Obituary
Stanley Lewis Forester, 82, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away in the comfort of his home with his cat Silas at his side and his wife, Anita, nearby on January 10, 2024, after a long dance with Parkinson’s Disease. Stanley was a man after God’s own heart and a true gentle man.
He was born on October 6, 1941, to Ralph and Minnie Eva Forester in Marked Tree, Arkansas. Stanley graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1966, and then began a 32-year career with John Deere.
Stanley met his wife to be at a writing workshop in a local bookstore. They married in 2007, each with two children: Sarah Corn (Chris), Caroline Chapman (Matt), Patrick W. Dougherty (Starr), Abby Dougherty, and a grandson, Aidan Corn.
Stanley had a natural talent and passion for writing. In retirement he published two books, What If I Had Learned to Dance (a recovery memoir) and a book of poetry, My Father Was Big as the Sky.
Stanley especially adored his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs, Jake Elvis, and Easy Cash. Much of his time in retirement was spent caring for and exercising Jake and Easy. Although not initially a lover of cats, Bird and Silas quickly became beloved companions. Stanley gave back to the community without fanfare, starting a men’s Alanon group, helping others find hope and encouraging his fellows as they began their journey through the 12 steps and 12 traditions of recovery.
Stanley was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Jerry (Peggy), Wendell (Maggie), Gene (Kate), his sister Margaret (Loy), and his pets: Bird, Jake, and Easy. He is survived by his brothers Jim (Shirley), Tom (Elkie), and Mark (Gwen), his wife Anita, his daughters Sarah and Caroline, his grandson Aidan, and of course Silas. Stanley’s nieces and nephews include Thad, Nate, Susan, Theresa, Becky, Debbie, Paul, Burke, Wendy, Matt, Sharon, Ty, Tim, Kim, Eric, Kurt, Vera, and Clay.
No formal services will be held. In Stanley’s memory, please give a loved one a warm embrace.
Free at Last, by SL Forester
I will not rage against the dying of the light.
To enjoy living right up to the end,
I shall go gently into that good night.
Then death shall become my good friend.
My body shall return to dust
No matter how hard I try.
In this truth I must trust.
Sooner or later we all must die.
No matter how hard I try.
This earthly tabernacle cannot stay.
Sooner or later we all must die.
Disease and old age will have their way.
This earthly tabernacle cannot stay.
Can I ever feel that this is right?
While I realize I have no say.
Can I ever truly give up the good fight?
Can I ever feel this is right?
I must surrender to set myself free
Can I ever truly give up the good fight?
I cannot change what must be.
I must surrender to set myself free
To enjoy living right up to the end.
For I cannot change what shall be.
Then death will become my good friend.
To enjoy living right up to the end
I accept that my body shall return to dust.
Then death shall become my good friend.
For in this truth I must trust.
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