From Mount Airy News:
http://www.mtairynews.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Emmett+Forrest-+long-time+Andy+Griffith+friend-+has+died%20&id=21397392&instance=top_stories
Emmett Forrest, long-time Andy Griffith friend, has died
by Keith Strange
Staff Reporter
01.12.13 - 03:08 pm
Just months after the death of his long-time friend, Andy Griffith’s best
friend and most ardent supporter has died.
Emmett Forrest died during the early morning hours Saturday at the Joan and
Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.
He was 85.
Forrest had been moved to the home just days ago after suffering an extended
illness.
For much of his life, Forrest devoted his time to preserving the memory of
Griffith, donating many of the items on display today in the Andy Griffith
Museum.
Tanya Jones, director of the Surry Arts Council and a long-time friend of
Forrest, said she, like many in the community, was shaken by the news.
“We’re just stunned,” she said. “Emmett was absolutely wonderful. He was my
best and most trusted friend, but more than that he was someone I totally
trusted.”
Jones said she has worked with Forrest for more than 25 years.
“I worked so closely with him to help him achieve his dream of having an Andy
Griffith Museum and preserving his legacy,” she said. “Most of the items in the
museum were collected by Emmett. It was his collection that was the seed for
the pursuit of a permanent museum.
“He’s also meant an enormous amount to the Surry Arts Council and local
economic development efforts through his work to bring tourists to the area,”
Jones added.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., at Grace Moravian
Church with Rev. Tony Hayworth officiating.
The Forrest family will receive friends at the Moody Funeral Home of Mount Airy
on Monday night from 6 until 8 p.m.
Reach Keith Strange at [email protected] or 719-1929.
© mtairynews.com 2013
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