Ervin O’Neal Forbes, affectionately known as “Dee Dee,” “ShineyBoy,” and
“Uncle Ervin,” was born on April 22, 1948, in Miami, Florida, to the late Robert
A. Forbes, Sr., and Roseina Forbes.
Raised in Miami, Ervin began his education at Poinciana Park Elementary,
Brownsville Junior High, and graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior
High School as a member of the Class of 1966. He later attended Florida A&M
University, where he completed one year of college studies.
On March 7, 1969, Ervin answered the call to serve his country when he was
drafted into the United States Army as a Private First Class at Fort Hood,
Texas. He proudly served in the Vietnam War from August 5, 1969, to August
7, 1970, and was honorably discharged on March 5, 1971, with the rank of
Sergeant. During his military service, he earned numerous commendations,
including the Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, National
Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army
Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Expert Rifle (M-16) Qualification Badge. His
courage, dedication, and service to his country remain a source of pride for his family.
Following his military service, Ervin built a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service,
where he worked for more than 30 years as a Truck Driver in Motor Vehicles, Special Delivery Messenger,
and Special Delivery Clerk and retired in 2013. He was a dedicated employee who took pride in his work
and could spend hours entertaining family and friends with stories about his unforgettable coworkers
and experiences on the job.
While working at the Post Office, Ervin met the love of his life, Sharon. Their friendship blossomed into
a lasting love, and they were united in marriage on April 29, 1989. Together, they built a life filled with
laughter, adventure, and cherished memories.
Ervin had a passion for mentoring young people and spent several years coaching Little League baseball.
He also enjoyed attending the Florida State Track and Field Championships in Orlando with his
wife, nephews, and close friends. A proud supporter of Florida A&M University, he rarely missed an
opportunity to attend the annual Florida Classic between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University. As
a devoted Rattler, he always made sure everyone knew where his loyalty stood.
One of Ervin’s greatest treasures was the lifelong friendships he maintained throughout the years. He
thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his childhood friends, sharing stories, laughter, and memories of
their days growing up in Miami.
A man of many interests, Ervin loved classic Western movies and television shows, especially Bonanza
and Gunsmoke. He found great joy in fishing, cooking, and sharing meals with family and friends.
Seafood was among his favorites, particularly fried snapper, shrimp scampi, and fried conch.
Traveling with family brought him some of his greatest happiness. Whether vacationing in Hawaii,
cruising through the Caribbean, or attending sporting events with loved ones, Ervin treasured every
opportunity to create lasting memories with those he loved.
Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Ervin could always make a room laugh. He
was famous for greeting family and friends with a playful “Hey ugly!” or “I don’t like you!”—a couple
of phrases that became one of his many trademarks. Beneath his joking nature was a generous and
compassionate heart. He would gladly give his last dollar to someone in need and delighted in treating
the children in his life to special outings, including his favorite challenge: letting them pick out as much
candy as they could in one minute.
On July 12, 2026, at the age of 78, Ervin peacefully transitioned from this earthly life and entered eternal
rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Forbes, Sr., and Roseina Forbes; brother, Timothy
Forbes; nephews, Bryant Middleton and Stanley Middleton; and niece, Kersha Godfrey.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: his devoted wife, Sharon Forbes; daughters, Angela
Forbes and Kemi Moore; son, Derek Forbes; beloved granddaughter, Zayah D. Forbes; brother, Robert A.
Forbes, Jr.; sister, Linda Forbes Leacock; nephews, Damon (Cassandra) Forbes of Atlanta, Georgia, Eric
Forbes of Atlanta, Georgia, Deatrick (Sonia) Forbes of Hollywood, Florida, Jeffrey (Vanessa) Addison,
Jr., of San Antonio, Texas, Keith (Marlo) Person of Rex, Georgia, Kyle Person of Miami, Florida, and
Trendon Godfrey of Miami, Florida; nieces, Linette Forbes, Chantelle Leacock of Miami, Florida, LaShell
Forbes of Miami, Florida, Nielle Bridges of Lovejoy, Georgia, Deirdre (Jerome) Hawes of Miami, Florida,
Ishi Taylor of Plantation, Florida, Nitra (Chris) Word of Charlotte, North Carolina, Danielle Moore of
Tamarac, Florida, and Mia Moore of Atlanta, Georgia; along with a host of grandnieces, grandnephews,
cousins, other extended family members, and dear friends who loved him deeply and will forever cherish
his memory.
As we honor Ervin’s remarkable life, may we carry forward the qualities that defined him—his humor,
generosity, strength, and compassion. Though he is no longer with us in body, his love, laughter, and
enduring spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.