Bill F. Forsyth

A respected banker and financial professional, Bill devoted his expertise to a lifetime of public service. He liked to say that he had held every job there was in a bank—from sweeping the floors to cashier to President—and he brought that grounded, hands on understanding to every leadership role he took on. He served as chairman of the Murphy Electric Power Board and held leadership and board roles with Murphy Medical Center, the Cherokee County Economic Development Commission, the Cherokee County Development Corporation, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the N.C. Rural Center Corporate Partners, the John C. Campbell Folk School, and Western North Carolina Public Radio (WCQS). He was instrumental in efforts to bring jobs, infrastructure, and economic opportunity to Cherokee County.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marion Forsyth; daughter, Susan Spiegelberg and her husband, Bryan; son, William Troy Forsyth; grandchildren, Megan and Owen Spiegelberg; and his brother, Robert Forsyth.

He loved cars and NASCAR, and he was known for his practical skills, steady judgment, and community first approach. A proud graduate of Murphy High School (Class of 1964) and Western Carolina University (Class of 1968), Bill later served as a university trustee under three chancellors. He was also a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry, after which he returned home to continue building a life rooted in service to the region he cherished.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his hometown and the many quiet, meaningful ways he strengthened the community he loved.

A celebration of his life will be held in the early summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to IOI, PO Box 1649, Andrews, NC 28901 or the John C. Campbell Folk School, Attn: Development Office, One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.