Stoddard Forrest Darwin Jr., 75, died July 29, 2026. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Forrest will be remembered with deep respect and lasting affection by all who knew and loved him. He lived in Madison, Mississippi, and carried himself with a steady thoughtfulness that showed in the way he worked, the way he listened, and the way he stood by the people and communities that mattered most to him.
Born March 13, 1951, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Forrest’s early years were marked by energy, discipline, and determination. He attended Tupelo High School playing baseball and football. In his junior year he was selected to the Mississippi All Big 8 Conference football team. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout—early signs of the hard-working spirit and quiet commitment that would shape his life. He attended Mississippi State, playing baseball his freshman year while earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 1975, he moved to Clinton, Mississippi, to attend Mississippi College, where he earned his master’s degree, became a CPA, and continued building a life defined by diligence and purpose.
Forrest built a career grounded in reliability and earned trust. He began as an accountant with GTE Sylvania, then joined McCarty Farms as comptroller. Later, he moved to IKON, later merging with Ricoh USA, where he advanced through the ranks to Director and Finance Manager—roles that reflected both his work ethic and the careful, thoughtful way he approached responsibility.
On January 1, 1996, Forrest married Donna Ingram in Clinton, Mississippi. Their marriage was a steadfast partnership, and Forrest’s devotion to his family remained central throughout his life.
A loyal Mississippi State fan and a committed supporter of the Clinton Arrows, Forrest gave his time and heart to the teams and traditions he loved. He was a member of the Clinton Touchdown Club and served on its board, offering the same steady dependability there that he brought to every part of his life.
Forrest was preceded in death by his father, Stoddard F Darwin Sr., and his mother, Sarah Frances Darwin.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Ingram Darwin of Madison, Mississippi; daughters, Melissa Fulton (Mitch) of Petal, Mississippi, Kimberly Surla (Danny) of Slidell, Louisiana, and Becca Gunn (Conner) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; step-son, Shawn Ingram (Dana) of Madison, Mississippi; sister, Frances Galloway of Germantown, Tennessee; grandchildren, Brody and Brinkley Ingram, Morgan and Tyler Fulton, Ryan and Chole Surla, Caroline and Maddy Gunn; and great granddaughter, Vivian Bowles.
Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, on August 1, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at Lakewood Funeral Home on August 1, 2026, at 3:00 pm. A Committal Service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park.
