Forrest Kirby Pollard

He was preceded in death by his parents William Shannon Pollard and Madeline Meacham Pollard, and brother William Alexander Pollard. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Elaine Thompson Pollard; daughter Susan Shannon Pollard and her husband David Mettler; and daughter Laura Beth Pollard and her husband Matthew Enderle; two grandchildren, Daniel and Madeline -- all of the Richmond, VA area; and one sister, Jo Alice Bevins of White Bluff, Tenn.

He was described by his loving wife as "the kindest, most considerate man she's ever known, who adored his family," lived by the Golden Rule and never complained -- even in his decline.

Born in Franklin, Tenn. Oct. 25, 1935, and raised on the family farm in the Hillsboro community of Williamson County, Tenn., Pollard graduated from Martin Methodist College in 1957 and earned a B. S. Degree in Agronomy from Tennessee Technical University in 1959. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1965.

He then took his farming experience, Agronomy degree and work ethic to Southern States Cooperative, Inc. where he rose through the ranks. While with Southern States, Pollard left his mark as an innovator, a professional, and a leader. He retired as a Regional Manager after a 41-year career.

Pollard was also a respected leader of the Bon Air Manchester Midlothian Lions Club, and received the Distinguished Humanitarian Award for the Lions of Virginia Foundation and was a Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Service with Lions Club International Foundation. He was named BAMM's Lion of the Year in 2007-08 and again in 2012-13. For the past five years he served as Sight Chairman for the club.

In addition, he was a dedicated member of Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church and served the church in various capacities.

During his retirement, he spent much of his free time with his wife and their two daughters. Later, he welcomed two sons-in-law into the family, and shortly thereafter began spoiling his two grandchildren, -- Daniel and Madeline. His vocabulary was filled with timeless Tennessee, Southern country sayings that were words to live by. And he used them not only to teach but to provide levity that only he could create in his home-spun, witty, easy-going manner.

He will be remembered for all those things, but especially his unconditional love for his family, his generosity and his selflessness. Even in the last stages of his decline he was worrying about his wife and family.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, VA. The funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 5900 Hull Street Rd., Richmond, VA. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sight Program for the BAMM Lions Club at P.O. Box 35554, Richmond, VA 23235; or the Ramsey Memorial Methodist Building Program at 5900 Hull Street Rd., Richmond, VA 23224.