Leroy Forlines

Franklin Leroy Forlines - Age 94, passed away in the afternoon on December 15, 2020 in his Nashville home in the Whitland Area Neighborhood.

Angels carried Leroy's soul home to Heaven while his body was resting quietly in his hospital bed in the presence of his wife Fay, his sons Jon and James, and the nurse after Fay had whispered in his ear, "Sweetheart, it is all right if you let the angels lead your soul to Heaven. I'll join you afterwhile." And afterwards, I kissed him on the forehead and on his mouth before saying aloud, "I love you. I am so glad I married you."

Then James leaned over to him to whisper in his ear, "Dad, don't be afraid, Jon and I will take good care of Mom." After about three minutes, as Jon was hugging him, his heart stopped and the nurse pronounced him dead.

Mr. Forlines was born November 14, 1926, on a tobacco farm near Winterville, Pitt County, North Carolina to the late, John Leroy Forlines and Leta Nanny Manning Forlines.

Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Carolyn LeFay Gilbert Forlines; children, Jonathan "Jon" Gilbert Forlines (Susan) and James Franklin Forlines (Anita); grandchildren, Joel, Jared (Kelsey), Anna Grace; Daniel (Michelle), Rachel (Christopher), Rebekah (Brad). Great Grandchildren: Elise, Justus, and Naomi; Lillian and Andon, Siblings: Elsie, Christine, Mattie Frances, Jack, and beloved nieces and nephews; precious former students, cousins, and friends.

Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020 at Woodlawn Memorial Park in the Dogwood Garden section, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204 with Dr. Matthew Pinson officiating. Pallbearers include: Daniel Forlines, Joel Forlines, Jared Forlines, John Forlines, Christopher Dobbs, Brad Sample, Matthew Pinson, Jr. and John David Carter.

Honorary pallbearers include: Dalton Cole, Deacons of Cross Timbers FWB Church, retired Men of Welch College's administration, faculty, and staff who are present and All Free Will Baptists ordained ministers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Welch College for the restoration of "Forlines Lectures" which brings noted theologians to the campus to speak. An example of lecturers in the past is Leroy's favorite radio preacher, Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church.

A Memorial Service will follow at Welch College in the near future--to be announced sometime when the world turns back up from its upside-down position during the virus.

Arrangements taken care of by West Harpeth Funeral Home & Crematory, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209.