Thomas Forshaw III

June 29, 2025

Thomas Forshaw III of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at the age of 81. He spent his final days surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife of 56 years, Meredith, and their three children: Anne, Thomas, and Susan. He is also lovingly remembered by their spouses and grandchildren: Paul, Doug, Gillian, and Leighton Scott; Penny, Finn, Powell, and Liam Forshaw; and John, Lilla, and Blair Teachey.

Born in Memphis, TN, to Bess and Thomas Forshaw Jr., Tom moved to Charlotte at an early age and spent the next 75 years in the Myers Park community. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and pursued minors in Computer Programming and Economics before serving in the U.S. Army.

After his discharge, Tom joined his father in the family business, Forshaw Chemicals, where he continued the legacy of entrepreneurship by founding Forshaw Distribution. He successfully grew the business and made significant contributions to the pest management industry.

Tom and Meredith cherished their time at Litchfield Beach, where they maintained close friendships and created lasting memories. Tom found great joy in being on the water, collecting sharks’ teeth, and walking on the beach.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Tom’s oncologist, Dr. Catherine Moore, and their compassionate caregivers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on August 18, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, or to Novant Health Hospice, PO Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233-3549.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Jenny and David Crum Ewing

    We fondly remember our first meeting Tom and Meredith in Florida which resulted in Tom buying our company. We have had many years of wonderful get-togethers, and eventually, the blending of our two families !!
    Tom will be forever in our hearts and Meredith and family’s in our prayers.
    David and Jenny.

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  • John Loesch

    I was so sorry to hear the news about Tom. I called on Tom and his company for more than 24 years. He was an incredibly smart businessperson. He taught me a lot about the pest control industry in general and the distribution side of the business. Tom always knew what was happening in the industry. I always considered TIII a good friend. I am honored to have known him. Rest in Peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

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  • Lisa

    My condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Forshaw, III. May God continue to comfort and strengthen the family during this time of bereavement. Continue to focus on the loving and cherished memories of Thomas continue to comfort his family and friends. A comforting thought is at Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress."

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  • Dave McCormick

    I had the distinct privilege of knowing and working with T111 and his family for over 40 years, and am so grateful! Tom had an incredibly quick mind, and an intellectual curiosity that taught me and countless others valuable lessons over the years. A fine individual, and even better family man…Tom Forshaw I am immensely better off for having known you!

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  • Billy Tesh

    Tom was an individual who looked after others before himself, helped initiate a change in the Pest Management industry to improve the professional posture and grow the industry.
    So long for now my friend…..

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  • Andrew Vita

    I am so saddened to hear this news. May you fish in peace now.
    Thank you for all that you did for me and my family. Working for you was an honor.
    Thank you for all that you have done to improve our industry and make the world better.
    T3 you will be greatly missed.

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  • Clint Miller

    Definitely made a impact on the the world we live in!! I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet Tom ? ❤️. My prayers for his family

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  • Nancy Gardner Carter

    Dear Meredith, please know that you are in my heart and thoughts. I am so very sorry that that wonderful smile will not greet you every morning, but know that its warmth lives in your heart and will always be there as needed. Remembering you and shared times, Nancy

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  • Phil Clegg

    Sorry to hear about Tom passing. We had a lot of good times and did a lot of business together.. Let us know if we can do anything beside offering our condolences . Phil and Brenda Clegg

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  • Wes Hale

    Goodbye to a great man. My deepest condolences to the family. There are very few men that I admired and respected as much as TIII. Thank you for all you taught me over the years, I always appreciated your guidance and patience. Rest in peace.

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