Ronald Forbes

Ronald Forbes (Ronny) was born in Columbia on September 13, 1950, and passed away on June 19, 2026, in Hattiesburg.

Ronny dedicated many years to forestry and proudly served for six years in the National Guard. While in Sandy Hook, he and his brother, Kevin, co-owned Forbes Lumber Company, and later he and his wife, Cheryl, operated Forbes Quarter Horses. Ronny then embarked on a career in real estate. His younger years were filled with a passion for hunting, fishing, and horses. Ronny’s later years were also marked with an appreciation for nature as an avid bird watcher. He also found great joy in the simple companionship of his dog, Molly, and his cat, Carl.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack Forbes & Iris Ford Forbes, and two brothers Kevin Forbes and Jack Forbes, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cheryl Herberger Forbes of Sumrall, his son Ronald Jason Forbes (Morgan) of Ocean Springs, his daughter Jennifer Loren Forbes of New Orleans, his grandchildren Payton Briella Forbes and Ryland Jack Forbes, both of Ocean Springs, one sister-in-law Mary Ellen Wynne (Arthur Jr.) of New Orleans, his nieces Ellen Wynne Phelan of Beaumont, Texas, and Nicole Forbes McKenzie of Sandy Hook, and his nephews Arthur Wynne III, Brian Wynne, Brett Wynne, all of New Orleans, and Hunter Forbes of Sandy Hook.

A visitation will be held this Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 1:00 pm up until 2:45 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia and a private interment for the family will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Fabian Catholic Church at saintfabian.com or to Hub City Humane Society at hubcityhumanesociety.org.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at hathornfuneralhome.com.