Charles Forrister 94, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026 in an Asheville hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He was a graduate of Murphy High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Western Carolina University. His education career began at Wolf Creek School and was cut short as he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and served in the Intelligence division. Following his discharge, he returned to his loved profession of education at Hiwassee Dam School where he taught chemistry and math. Charles was appointed to Principal at Murphy High School, where he served 15 years before taking the principal position at Ranger Elementary and later a Middle School. He began the pilot program for the Middle School Concept which later was adopted throughout the county. Charles worked at Ranger for 10 years until retirement. He was a lifelong learner continuing his education through Western Carolina University earning a Master’s Degree and an Education Specialist certification. He obtained many advanced certifications from U.N.C. Chapel Hill School of Government, Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt and University of Virginia.
His passion for serving others throughout the community led him to be an active participant and member of Montgomery Lodge #426, Scottish Rite, Western North Carolina Shrine Club, Murphy Rotary Club, and Murphy Civitan Club. As a respected professional Charles served on several boards within the state. Board Member of North Carolina State Grange Organization and Mutual Insurance Company. He served on the Board of Directors with the Culberson Fire Department, and many local boards including both Cherokee County Social Service and the Agricultural Extension Office to name a few. He was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah.
Charles lived a life of service to his community and following Christ’s teachings of servitude and followed the greatest commandments. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39
He was the son of the late “C.C.” Columbus Cleveland and Estelle Horton Forrister and the husband of his beloved wife of 65 years the late Katherine Kisselburg Forrister who died March 18, 2026. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Willard, Lester, Wendell and Danny Forrister; and a sister, Sadie Kisselburg.
Surviving are one daughter, Dr. Melanie Forrister Breedlove and husband, Reverend Dr. William of Hayesville; one son Leon Forrister and wife, Tonia of Murphy; one sister, Helen Gibson of Murphy; two grandchildren, Tyler Forrister and fiancé, Brianna of Murphy, and Dr. Kameron Bateman and husband, Dakota of Andrews; three great grandchildren, Jaxon Charles Forrister, Pierson James Bateman, and Annora Kay Forrister; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 3, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah with the Reverend Dr. Delmer Chilton officiating. Interment was in Harris Chapel Church of God cemetery.
The family received friends from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.