Mike Forrester

Lewis Michael “Mike” Forrester, age 76, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026. He was born January 30, 1950 to the late Dallas Forrester and Rosa Lee Forrester. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Martin Forrester.

Mike's life was one marked by hard work and the unyielding embrace of the open road. As an over the road truck driver, he logged over a million miles, a testament not only to his dedication but to his adventurous spirit. He traversed every state except Alaska and Hawaii, each mile bearing witness to his love for discovery and connection. In the 1990s, Mike's beloved wife joined him on these travels, creating cherished memories against backdrops of beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Together, they found camaraderie in unlikely places—often crossing paths with people from their hometown of Mountain City, proving again and again just how small the world could be. Mike was a member of the American Legion of Mountain City, TN.

After many years on the road, Mike decided to return home and serve his community in a different way. Inspired, perhaps, by stories that his grandfather was a Pinkerton man, he entered law enforcement. He joined the Mountain City Police Department and attended the training academy in Donnalson, Tennessee, before moving on to serve with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. In each badge and uniform, Mike wore his care for people openly, always striving to see the good in everyone he met.

Mike's talents did not end on the highways or in his patrol car. The art of building had always been part of his heritage. His father, a skilled carpenter, instilled in him the fundamentals of construction—a skillset Mike elevated with each new project. He poured his effort and expertise into building multimillion-dollar homes across North Carolina and South Carolina, eventually joining T and B Construction. His work extended to essential infrastructure like water and sewer treatment plants, yet it was also marked by the construction of beautiful residences, including homes for renowned football coaches and esteemed business figures. As field superintendent in Linville for T and B Construction, his leadership and dedication shaped communities and skylines alike.

To all who knew him, Mike was a simple man, humble yet generous. He saw the best in everyone and never met a stranger—he always greeted handshake and smile, and he would have given the shirt off his back without a second thought.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Patricia Allen Forrester; daughter, Lisa; one son-in-law; two grandchildren; brother, Stephen Forrester and wife Sara; sister, Sheila Davis and husband Kurt; two special young men in his life, Clifton Worley Jr. and Joshua Stidham; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Mountain City Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Leonard Fletcher, Mark Grubb and Doug Hinshaw to officiate. Graveside service and burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. from Mountain Home National Cemetery with Military Honors to be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be members of the American Legion of Mountain City, TN.

In leiu of flowers, memorial can be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountaincityfh.com

The family of Lewis Michael "Mike" Forrester has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home.