Boxer praised for impact on others

Vernon Forrest the friend, mentor and humanitarian was remembered Saturday in a public memorial service at Bell Auditorium.

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Michael Holahan/Staff

Vernon Forrest's casket is removed from Bell Auditorium after the service. Mr. Forrest was remembered as a friend and mentor.

Mr. Forrest, who was killed in a robbery July 25 in southwest Atlanta, was lauded for the skills that made him a boxing champion, but many speakers focused on Mr. Forrest's work with charities and for being a good friend or mentor.

"As a friend, Vernon was the best friend I could have," said his brother, Alphonso Forrest. "To my family, Vernon's not the champion of the world. He's not a rich guy. He's family. He's nothing else."

About 400 people gathered at the site where Mr. Forrest defeated Marlon Thomas in 1995 to win the International Boxing Council light welterweight belt. He went on to win three major titles in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who proclaimed Saturday a "Day of Mourning," praised Mr. Forrest for his work with various charities.

"He did it from his heart. He was a man of action," he said. "When he saw a need, he met it."

Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.