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Submitted: 1/21/15 • Approved: 1/26/15 • Last Updated: 4/18/18 • R762623-G0-S3
Mar 12, 1925 Cabool, Texas, MO
Jun 25, 2001 Springfield, Greene, MO
Ray Leon Forsythe was born March 12, 1925, in Cabool, Mo., the son of Marshall Earl (Tod) and Myrtle Evans Forsythe. He graduated from Cabool High School and was drafted into the Army in the fall of 1943. He served with the 29th Infantry Division during World War II and waded ashore at Omaha Beach in France. He returned to the U.S. on New Year's Day, 1946.
In the fall of 1946, he enrolled at Southwest Missouri State University, where he began his legendary athletic career. While an SMS athlete, he earned 12 varsity letters, the last athlete to accomplish this. His greatest acclaim came on the football field where he was the starting quarterback all four years and was a three-time all-league first team selection. He was also honored as co-captain during the 1949 season. In addition to football, he was also a four-year letterman in baseball and track. Following graduation, he became Business Manager of Athletics at SMS and served as assistant football and basketball coach.
On July 1, 1951, Ray married Susie Burns in Springfield. In the summer of 1952, he returned to Cabool to operate Tod's Motel with his brother, Max, following his father's retirement.
The summer of 1957 found him returning to Springfield where, in September, he opened Town & Country Men's and Women's Clothing. In 1967, he opened three stores in Little Rock, Ark., and in 1981, he opened two stores in Memphis, Tenn. Ray formerly held interests in several other stores in Tulsa, Joplin and Springfield.
Among all his personal highlights and accomplishments, none were more important than the 1956 birth of his daughter, Pam, and the 1959 birth of his son, Ray Bob.
Ray's list of honors include his 1976 induction into the SMSU Hall of Fame and his 1977 appointment to the SMSU Board of Regents, where he served a six-year term including two years as president. In 1985, he was honored as SMSU Alumnus of the Year with the dedication of the new athletic building, the "Forsythe Athletic Center". Also in 1985, Ray set up a scholarship fund for Cabool graduating seniors. The scholarship benefits four Cabool students attending SMSU. It is awarded to a member of each SMSU class, freshman through senior.
Ray is survived by his wife, Susie Forsythe, Springfield; a son, Ray Bob and wife Cannie, Memphis, Tenn.; a daughter, Pam Forsythe Bryce, Springfield, Mo.; a brother, Max and wife Wilma, Cabool; a grandson, Raymond Connor Forsythe; and two nephews, Robert Todd Forsythe, Little Rock, Ark. and Richard Steven Forsythe, Cabool, Mo.
Funeral services will be at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Cabool Cemetery, Cabool, Mo.
Contributed on 1/21/15 by mjrwag
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Record #: 762623