John Michael Forsley, known to many as “Big John”, 64, of Liberty, Texas, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends after a life that could only be described as unforgettable.
Born on Oct. 11, 1961, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, John was the son of the late Nancy June (Cooke) Forsley and Edward Thomas Forsley II. Raised with a strong work ethic and a larger-than-life personality, John spent his life building not only homes, projects, and businesses, but memories and stories that those who knew him will carry forever.
John was a natural storyteller and professional “chaos coordinator” who loved horsing around and keeping everyone on their toes. Some of his stories were so unbelievable that there was simply no way he could have made them up. Whether gathered around a grill, sitting by the water, or visiting with friends and family, John could turn an ordinary moment into one people would talk about for years.
He began working in his early teens and never truly slowed down. Known for always fixing, building, or improving something, John took great pride in working with his hands. He spent many years as a respected manager at Furrow’s Building Materials, where he was known as a “big shot” by those who worked alongside him. Later, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by founding F&S Remodeling in Deer Park, Texas. In the early 2000s, John began what would become another important chapter of his life with Charlie Hinds Wrecker Service in Pasadena, Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 2024.
After retiring, John moved to Liberty, Texas, where he discovered a new passion for gardening and “homesteading.” He found peace working outdoors, tending to his property, and enjoying the simple things in life.
John loved golf, hunting, trips to Las Vegas, old western movies, yard work, grilling, and just about every sport imaginable, especially football. Truthfully, his favorite team was usually whichever one was making him money that day. Above all else, however, he especially loved fishing with his son and his lifelong friend, Lewis “Butch” Akin. Those moments spent on the water were among his happiest.
Though John could be short-tempered and stubborn at times, those who knew him best understood he also had one of the biggest hearts around. He never turned away someone in need, no matter the time of day. If you needed help, John showed up. That was simply who he was.
John is survived by his daughter, Lindsay Bailey, and husband Ryan of Liberty, Texas, along with their children Krystian, Kaycee, Riley, and his little best buddy, Benjamin; his son, Matthew Forsley, and wife Christina of Douglasville, Georgia, and their children Madalee, Merric, Teddy, and John. He also leaves behind his stepdaughter, Hannah Hess, and husband, Michael, of La Porte, Texas, along with their daughters, Elise and Eliza, and one precious grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Kristi Forsley, and Kelly Forsley of Houston, as well as her daughters, Brittany and Ashlie, and husband Gregory Herring, and their two daughters, Makenzie and Tinsley.
He also shared a lifelong friendship with Lewis “Butch” Akin and his wife Laura Ann Jones of Cut-N-Shoot, Texas, as well as countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives were better because they knew him.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Michael Joseph Forsley of Alabama; his parents, Edward Thomas Forsley II and Nancy Forsley of The Woodlands, Texas; and his brother, Edward Thomas Forsley III of Massachusetts.
Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Forsley, Ryan Bailey, Lewis “Butch” Akin, Allen Sullender, and Riley Bailey.
John will be remembered for his humor, generosity, hard work, storytelling, fierce loyalty, and the unforgettable way he made people laugh. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but the memories, lessons, and stories he leaves behind will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.