"The Wilson Combat team and I mourn the passing of industry icon Melvin Forbes. Unfortunately, I didn't know Melvin in person until May of 2022 and had only known him by his reputation as the godfather of ultralight hunting rifles. From the moment my wife Joyce and I first met Melvin and Patty, we knew they were special, down-to-earth people. It seemed like we had known them for years, and a friendship was kindled almost immediately.

I've been in the firearms industry in one form or another since 1972, and after only a few minutes of conversation with Melvin, it became apparent that he was different from most of the people I had encountered within the industry over the past 50 years. He was genuine and obviously a very smart, deep thinker—the kind of person who can think outside the box, so to speak. These kinds of people are really rare these days; I guess that's why they immediately stand out from Joe Average.

As it ended up, Melvin trusted me with "his" rifle to continue his and its legacy. I'm very humbled by this and will do my very best to make him proud. My big regret is that I didn't meet Melvin earlier and have the opportunity to spend more time with him. Melvin was something special, and the firearms industry has lost one of its best and brightest."

– Bill Wilson,

Founder & Owner, Wilson Combat

MELVIN FORBE'S OBITUARY & SERVICES INFO

The Melvin Forbes Next Generation Scholarship

In memory of Melvin Forbes, we invite you to honor his legacy by donating to the Melvin Forbes Next Generation Scholarship fund at the Montgomery Community College School of Gunsmithing. Your support will help nurture and develop future generations of skilled gunsmiths, ensuring that Forbes' dedication to craftsmanship and excellence continues to inspire.

This scholarship is completely funded through donations from family, friends, organizations, and manufacturers within the firearms industry. If you would like to contribute, you can do so in three ways: