Forrest Dunbar

Forrest Dunbar, 83, of Penhook, Virginia, passed away at his home on October 13, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family. Born on Christmas Day in 1942 in Mineola, New York, Forrest was the son of Walter Dunbar and Margaret (Metz) Dunbar. He graduated from Hicksville High School and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Forrest established Sound Agency Insurance in Rocky Point, New York, building a successful business through strong personal relationships, trust, and a commitment to his community. Forrest and his first wife, Joan Fitzgerald, had two children, Kevin and Krista, and maintained a warm friendship throughout their lives. He later met the love of his life, LuAnn Brentson through their shared hobby of volleyball, and they married in May 1980. Forrest and LuAnn celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary this past May, sharing a life filled with friendship, adventure, and memorable times with family. Standing an impressive 6 feet 4½ inches tall, Forrest had a personality to match his stature. Outgoing, friendly, and full of humor, he was someone who never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere, and had a gift for making people feel welcome. He loved being silly, making people laugh, and bringing people together. His kindness, generosity, and lighthearted approach to life earned him countless friends over the years. Forrest was a dedicated member of Rotary International, actively participating in the Rotary Clubs of Rocky Point, New York, and later Rocky Mount, Virginia. Always generous with his time and committed to helping others, his dedication to charitable work grew even stronger after surviving non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the mid-1990s. His experience deepened his faith and gave him a renewed appreciation for life, inspiring him to devote even more of his time and energy to helping others. He became particularly involved with Rotary's Gift of Life program, helping children from other countries come to the United States for life-saving heart surgeries. Forrest and LuAnn opened their home to these children and their families, offering friendship, comfort, and support during their stays. Forrest and LuAnn also welcomed international exchange students from Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Australia into their home. These experiences led to lasting friendships, including a particularly close bond with a family in Mexico. Over the years, members of both families participated in exchanges, visited one another, and shared important celebrations, creating a lifelong friendship that extended well beyond the original exchange program. Forrest was also active in North Shore United Methodist Church and participated in mission trips to Haiti and Honduras, where he worked alongside others on projects to improve local communities, including building a school and other practical assistance. These trips reflected his generous spirit and willingness to give his time and energy to those in need. Forrest embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and a sense of adventure. He enjoyed skiing, volleyball, scuba diving, wind surfing on the Long Island sound and playing cards, but perhaps even more than the activities themselves, he loved the friendships that came with them. He shared countless ski trips, beach outings, and gatherings with family and friends. In his later years, he developed a passion for bridge, becoming a skilled player and making many new friends along the way. Known for his playful sense of humor and his collection of outrageous hats, Forrest loved making people laugh and was often the life of the party. Affectionately known as "Forry" and "Great Uncle Fa," Forrest will be remembered for his generous heart, his warmth and humor, and his remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. His larger-than-life personality and the joy he brought to those around him will be deeply missed. Forrest is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, LuAnn (Brentson) Dunbar; his son, Kevin, daughter-in-law Beth, and granddaughters Sabrina and Kalia, of California; his daughter, Krista, son-in-law Jon, and grandsons Jack and Henry, of New York; his brother, Walter Dunbar, and wife Judy, of Maryland; his sister, Diane Schreiber, and husband Steve, of New York; his brother-in-law, Keith Brentson, of California; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. A memorial service celebrating Forrest's life to be held in the coming weeks at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Keith Vernon. Details will be shared on the Flora Funeral Service website. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gift of Life International program. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.