Mr. Clarence "Sonny" Forbus

Mr. Clarence “Sonny” Forbus, age 77 of the Armuchee Community, passed away on Monday, September 22nd, 2026, at a local assisted living facility.

Mr. Forbus was born in Lineville, Alabama on September 26th, 1948, a son of the late Marvin Hulen Forbus and Margie Eunice Pettis Forbus. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Deby Forbus; one brother, Carl Forbus. Sonny was a hardworking man who learned the value of hard work at an early age. At the age of 13, he began working in a body shop, where he developed a passion and talent for working on anything with an engine. He could never sit still and was always looking for something to work on or a project to keep him busy. After graduating from Clay County High School, Sonny continued working in the body shop and later worked for Champion Timber Company. After deciding the “timber business” wasn’t for him, he started his career with Lockheed-Martin, where he began as a painter. His dedication, skill, and ability were quickly noticed and over the course of his career, he worked his way into the position of department manager. After 30 years of dedicated service, Sonny earned a well-deserved retirement. One of his greatest accomplishments during his career was being a part of the F-22 Raptor Project, an achievement that he was especially proud of.

After retiring, he never really stopped working. He began restoring classic cars, taking on remodeling projects, and spending time around the body shop with his friends. He could often be found scrolling through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, always searching for his next project. Sonny was a true car show fanatic and enjoyed attending local car shows and swap meets whenever he could. One of his favorite traditions was attending the “Shades of the Past” car show in Pigeon Forge. He looked forward to it every year and never missed the show until his health kept him from going. After restoring many cars and trucks throughout the years, he decided it was time to build his dream car, a 1968 Fastback Mustang. His talent and attention to detail were evident in every part of the car. Every piece was intricately designed, built, and painted by Sonny himself. It was more than just a car; it reflected his creativity, patience, skill, and passion.

While Sonny accomplished many things throughout his life, his greatest legacy was found in the quiet way he loved his family. He was a subtle and quiet man, but those who knew him understood that there was great strength behind his quiet nature. He did not always have to say much to make his point. His love was shown through his actions, through his willingness to help, and through being there whenever he was needed. Sonny also had a wonderful sense of humor, which was expressed through his quick wit and funny sarcasm. He had a way of making people laugh without saying much. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. His life was marked by hard work, dedication, creativity, and love for his family. Whether he was building a car, working on a project, attending a car show, or spending time with the people he loved, he left his mark in his own quiet way. Roll Tide, PawPaw!

Survivors include his two daughters, Jaime Harris and her husband, Eric and Krist Barnes-Reynolds; four grandchildren, Matt Harris (Kristin), Lucy Moore (Thaddeus), J. Tyler Reynolds, and Blake Reynolds (Madi); two great-grandchildren, Anniston and Eloise; three brothers, Danny Forbus, Larry Forbus (Cheryl), and Ronnie Forbus.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 from 12 PM until 1 PM at Reynolds Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held immediately following the visitation from 1 PM until 3 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests the memorial contributions be made to Olive Branch Baptist Church in Lineville, Alabama c/o Church Clerk
Brandi Haynes
81441 Hwy 9
Ashland, AL 36251

You may leave the family online condolences at www.reynoldsfhrome.com

Reynolds Funeral Home of Rome is in charge of arrangements.