Forrest Lamar Priest

Forrest L. Priest, 71, of Leesburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his family. Frosty, as everyone knew him, was born on February 25th in Highland, Ohio at home during the Great Ice Storm of 1951.

He graduated from Fairfield High School, class of 1969. Immediately after graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. He was stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island and was assigned to the USS Puget Sound, a destroyer tender.

Frosty was a master millwright and carpenter. He built four homes for his families and designed countless grain and industrial systems across southwest Ohio. He enjoyed teaching others these skilled trades throughout his life. For many years, Frosty was the owner and operator of Priest Millwright Service. He claimed that people hired him when no one else could complete the dangerous tasks. Frosty was a keen businessman and partnered with others in operating Buckeye Hills Golf Club, among many other partnerships in the area with a strong commitment to his community. He took pride in organizing, sponsoring or creating military memorials in and around the villages of Leesburg and Highland.

Frosty had a zest for life and adventure. Circumnavigating the Intracoastal Waterway in his boat and cruising in his 1967 Fastback Mustang were among some of the many highlights as well as spending time with those that loved and adored him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan E. Priest, of Leesburg; daughters, Monica R. (David) Wood of Sabina, Savannah L. Priest of Washington Court House, daughter Saylor C. Priest, son Connor F. Priest, and daughter Paris S. Priest all at home, in Leesburg. Grandchildren Olivia and Avery Wood (Sabina), Thaddeus Johnson, Tharyn Matson, and great grandson Daxton Johnson (Washington Court House). He is also survived by his brother Myron E. (Sharon) of Washington Court House.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Richard W. and Helen Miska Fleming Priest and siblings, Garry Priest, Judith A. Thomas, Cecile M. Edwards, Paul R. Priest, Robbie J. Jenkins, Keith W. Priest, and J. Rodney Priest.

Please join us for a celebration of Frosty's life at Thompson Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Ohio. Visitations will take place on Friday, June 24th from 5-8 P.M., and again on Saturday June 25th at 10 A.M. The funeral will take place at 11 A.M. with an honor guard tribute and burial at Highland Cemetery.