David Michael Fore

David Michael "Mike" Fore, 79, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, with his devoted wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Katelyn, by his side.

Mike was born on June 10, 1947, in Greenville, Mississippi, to the late John W. and Helen (Maxwell) Fore. He was raised in Hollandale, Mississippi, where he graduated from Hollandale High School in 1965. He attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he was enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force upon his graduation in 1969.

Mike's first assignment was as a supply officer with the SR-71 program at Beale Air Force Base, California, and later in Okinawa, Japan. He wanted to fly and was accepted for pilot training, graduating in 1974, and went on to fly both the F-4 Phantom II

and F-16 Fighting Falcon throughout his distinguished military career. He served as Commander of the 35TFS (the Panton’s F-16 squadron) at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Other notable assignments included Assistant Deputy of Operations, Operations Group Commander, and Vice-Wing Commander at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. He was a Command Pilot with more than 2400 flight hours in the F-4, F-16, T-37, and T-38. Mike retired from active duty in 1997 while serving as Director of the Commanders’ Professional Development School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Following his retirement, he and his family settled in Yorktown, Virginia, where he enjoyed a second career as a contractor to the Army Training Support Command at Ft Eustis for many years.

A faithful follower of his Lord Jesus Christ, Mike served tirelessly in many capacities at KirkWood Presbyterian Church in Yorktown, including as Elder on the Administration and Stewardship Committees and as Clerk of Session. He also sang in the choir and willingly volunteered wherever needed, including lawn mowing, offering counter, and on mission and service teams.

Mike loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, especially visiting National Parks, as well as touring Greece and Israel. He was an avid cyclist, enjoyed dining out with friends, playing poker with his KirkWood group, and was well known for creating detailed Excel spreadsheets.

Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend whose steady presence, servant's heart, and quiet sense of humor will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Helen Fore; his brothers, John W. Fore and Edward Maxwell "Max" Fore; his sister-in-law, Beth Fore; and his father-in-law, Warren Deckert.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 44 years, Kathy Deckert Fore; his children, Dave Fore (Jenny) of Gilbert, Arizona, Jason Fore (Kim) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Katelyn Press (Jamie) of Yorktown, Virginia; and his cherished grandchildren, Ainsley Fore, Avery Fore, Eli Fore, Nolan Fore, Alex Fore, Helen Press, William Press, and James Press. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mattie Deckert; his sister-in-law, Bettie Fore; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Robin Deckert; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kobulnicky, Dr. Ali, and the staff of Virginia Oncology Associates, the compassionate staff of Sentara Hospice, and Carol with Active Daily Living Home Care for their exceptional care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KirkWood Presbyterian Church in Yorktown, Virginia; Peninsula Rescue Mission in Newport News, Virginia; Blood Cancer United; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.