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Vernon Forrest was a special man sent to earth by God. His work is done here, but he will always be remembered.
When a fellow boxer needed help getting his career back on track, Vernon Forrest didn't hesitate.
When some young family members needed advice, Forrest gave it to them.
And when God called him to help those less fortunate than him, Forrest stepped in.
Those were among the numerous stories told Saturday about Forrest, the Augusta native who was gunned down in southwest Atlanta on July 25 during a robbery. A public memorial service was held at Bell Auditorium, site of some of the 38-year-old boxer's notable victories.
"It's very important to remember that Vernon will always be with us," said Tom Moraetes, who coached Forrest through the Augusta Boxing Club and helped him reach the 1992 Olympics. "He didn't chase greatness, he established greatness. He didn't avoid community service, he embraced it. He talked the talk and he walked the walk."
Before the service, Forrest's gold-colored casket was open in front of the stage. When his family entered the auditorium, several members stopped to pay their respects. His mother, Mildred, gave her son a final hug before being escorted to her seat.
Forrest won three major titles in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, and he defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosley twice in the bouts that defined his career. Known as "The Viper" for his quick hands, Forrest amassed a professional record of 41-3 with 29 knockouts.
During the service, several of Forrest's championship belts were held on display by family members.
The mourners, though, heard not of his exploits in the ring, but of his kind deeds and selfless actions.
Local radio personality Minnesota Fatz served as master of ceremony for the three-hour service, which featured gospel music and a boxing theme with each "round" featuring speakers that told of various aspects of Forrest's life.
Kioka Carter spoke of how Forrest instilled in her son and his friends the value of education. After she found out about his death, she asked her son to tell her something that Forrest had taught him.
"He said he told us that a real man doesn't run from responsibilities," she said. "And he was 10 then. My son is 15. That statement made an impact on my son's life."
Cedric Boswell recounted how Forrest took him under his wing when he tried to restart his career after tearing his rotator cuff.
The two trained together and, after Forrest was satisfied with Boswell's desire, he arranged for him to fight on one of his undercards. Boswell won in his return bout, and he went on to claim the IBF North American heavyweight title last year.
"I knew I couldn't have become a champion without Vernon," Boswell said.
The most moving testimony came from Forrest's brother, LaVert.
He told how the two went to Richmond Academy and both were stars on the track team, and how Vernon pushed him to excel.
"Vernon had an outstanding work ethic. We would get up and run in the morning," he said. "He was a normal, everyday guy. He was a superstar to everyone else; to me he was Vernon."
The two were close, and Ver-non confided in LaVert his desire to box in the Olympics.
"He would say 'I'm going to go to the Olympics, and I'm going to win a gold medal and put it around my mom's neck,' " LaVert said. "He had an iron will before he met "Sugar" Shane Mosley. He wanted to win. He didn't go there to win second place."
Vernon's only child, Vernon Jr., took the stage with LaVert and received his father's Olympic torch.
"I'm letting (Vernon) know he will be all right," LaVert said.
Then Vernon Jr. received a special gift from his uncle.
"This young man told me that he told his mother that these are times that try men's souls," LaVert said. "And what he wants for his birthday, he wants to be saved."
And LaVert, who is a minister, led Vernon Jr. to Christ on the stage to a standing ovation from the mourners.
Jerry Harvey, a boxer and friend, took the opportunity to address those who criticized Forrest for chasing the man who robbed him. Police released video of the robbery last week, but no one has been arrested yet.
"He ran after them because he was disgusted because of what happened to him," he said. "Do you understand what it feels like to let someone take something from you when you come from nothing? He was a boxer. He wasn't a ballet dancer. That was natural. He was going to put an end to that so they couldn't do it to anyone else."
The Rev. Dr. Bobby G. Hanker-son delivered the benediction, and he echoed the sentiments of others.
"He helped others. He didn't waste his money on riotous living," Hankerson said. "At times Vernon was hit below the belt, but he stayed focused and he got up and kept fighting.
"Vernon Forrest knew the prize didn't go to the swiftest, but to the one who endured to the end."
Reach John Boyette at (706) 823-3337 or john.boyette@augustachronicle.com.
What they're saying
- "Augusta, Georgia has always been Vernon's home, our home. Our Mom had every one of us in Augusta. They don't say born in Atlanta, they say living in Atlanta. Don't get it confused." -- Alphonso Forrest, brother
- "He never asked for any recognition. He was never selfish and always giving. He was a man of his works. God only takes the best, and he was a perfect choice." -- Shonda Bell, cousin
- "He was the one who set the goal, he was the one who worked so hard to achieve what he did in his life. It's not just the fight, it's the education that goes behind the fight that makes you a man." -- Catherine Luckie, teacher
- "To the family, I know I speak on behalf of the entire city when I say that we mourn with you." -- Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver
- "You could match him with anybody and Vernon never, ever turned down a fight." -- Tom Moraetes, Augusta Boxing Club
Forrest Funeral
The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, just east of Atlanta. It will be open to the public.
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