William Denton “Bill” Forbes, Sr., 79, of Dawsonville died Thursday October 1, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Westchester, Pennsylvania, Mr. Forbes grew up in Binghamton, NY. He moved from Lockport, Illinois to Dawson County 16 years ago. He spent his working career in commercial trucking and was last employed by Leon Jones Feed and Grain. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University and was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Helen Forbes. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Shirley Forbes, Dawsonville; children, Sherry and Gary Schoeppey, Hackett, Arkansas, Melody Yeary, Joliet, IL, Valerie “Sis” Spanos, Joliet, IL, William D. Jr. and Denise Forbes, Dawsonville, Julie Forbes, Cumming, Marc Forbes, Dawsonville, Jennifer and Don Bilthuis, Custer Park, IL, Jason Forbes, Dawsonville, Jessica Phillips, Dawsonville; brother and sister in law, Merwin and Carol Forbes, Indiana; 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 6, 2009 at 5 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Sammy Harben will officiate. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 o’clock until the funeral hour. Condolences may be sent to www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.