Our dear son, Michael “Forest” Southwick went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 17, 2025. In His mercy, Forest was delivered from his struggles and rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus. We are so thankful to the many who have ministered and prayed for him and our family over the years.

 

Forest previously attended Focus Church (formerly Radiant Church) in Raleigh where he served with the church youth worship team, many compassion ministries and community events. He volunteered with Brown Bag Ministries, lead a food drive and was awarded a Kohls Care Scholarship for leading a Christmas gift outreach for children. He participated in a mission trip to Haiti, served with YWAM Madrid with emphasis on street evangelism thru arts. He had a true servant’s heart and a great love for people.

 

Forest attended Iron Academy in Raleigh for most of his education and was homeschooled in his senior year, graduating in 2020. He was actively involved in sports, playing basketball, soccer and track. He loved to sketch, draw, use mixed media and skateboarding.

 

He was young but found his passion working for the family business. He spent time at both the Wilson and Goldsboro QT locations learning the manufacturing process and electrical wiring. He was always proud of what he did, often posting pictures of his work that he referred to as a “different kind of art”. He loved the people he worked with and had a real desire to know every detail. He often said he wanted to grow up to be a salesperson like his stepdad, Mark, and his friend Drew with Reboss. He worked closely with the EPEC Solutions family where his can-do attitude really shined.

 

In October 2022, Forest and Michelle were married, and had welcomed their daughter, Isabella. He loved his girls with all his heart, and spending time with them playing, going to the park and library. Watching movies and playing Bluey with Isabella was his favorite kind of fun!

 

Forest loved big. His heart for his friends and family, the Lord and to serve touched many. He will be greatly missed.

 

Please keep our family in prayer; wife, Katelyn Michelle Modlin; daughter, Isabella Mae Southwick; stepfather and mother, Mark and Kimberly Sauls; father, Michael J. Southwick; stepmother Karen; siblings, Brittany Hubbell and husband, Jesse; niece and nephew, Hannah and Mason; sibling, Olivia Ryan Sauls; mother-in-law, Crystal Modlin; brothers-in-law, Gabe, Zane and Tyler and niece, Bailey Modlin.

 

Forest was preceded by; brother Joshua Grant Sauls and Wesley P. Cesnik.

 

In honor of our son, and those who are seeking recovery and restoration we invite you to join us in supporting Christian Recovery Centers, Inc.  https://secure.qgiv.com/for/michaelforrestsouthwickdonationform/

 

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Eureka Methodist Church in Eureka.  Burial will follow at Eureka Cemetery.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 until 10:45 a.m. in the church fellowship hall.

 

The family is in the care of  Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.