Charles Lee Forward was born to the late James Forward and Oza Mae Forward on May 19, 1947. Charles attended Kerr High School in Newton County where he was Valedictorian. He also attended Prairie View University for two years before being inducted into the U. S. Army in 1968. He fought in the Vietnam War receiving service medals w/2 Bronze Silver, National Defense Service Metal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Rifle. Charles served his country over two years. He lived in Michigan for a while and worked at AC Spark Plug Plant before moving back to Newton County. He worked in the timber industry as a log cutter for many years. He then went on to own his own business until his health began to fail.

On Monday, January 14, 2020, Deacon Charles Lee Forward Sr., transitioned to his heavenly home. He leaves to mourn his passing; a wife, Brenda Forward; his sons, Charles Jr., and Anthony (Sarita); two daughters, Tabetha and Tomeka; seven grands, one great-grand; and three sisters, Creola (Joe), Mae Bell, and Eunice.

He was proceeded in death by four brothers, J.P., Jim, Joseph, and Roy Lee Forward, two sisters, Jewelene Jones and Coletha Myles.