Forrest McGregor, 81, of San Saba, Texas, passed away on May 20, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas.
Forrest was born on June 25, 1944, in Temple, Texas, to Taylor Gibbons McGregor and Maxine Doran McGregor. He grew up on the Oakdale portion of the Gibbons ranch and attended school in Richland Springs. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Texas A&M University for one year. On March 29, 1964, he married Sylvia Ann Millican and transferred to Howard Payne University to complete his education. After finishing his degree, he pursued a corporate career with Sears and Roebuck. While he made great friends during their time in Dallas and Columbus, Ohio, and enjoyed the success he found working in management and data system implementation, he deeply missed the life and people of Central Texas.
He loved the outdoors and thrived in the pace of the ranching life. In 1975, Forrest, Sylvia, and their children, Greg and Cathy, returned to San Saba County. While ranching, he was also blessed to pastor three rural churches, own and operate a propane gas business, a loading chute manufacturing business, and a feed mill operation, as well as serve for a time as the administrator of Eventide Nursing Home.
Forrest loved to cook, constantly researching new recipes and mastering various cooking methods. He dedicated himself to perfecting the art of smoking brisket and baking sourdough bread. Whether hosting friends, family, or grandchildren bringing their friends to the ranch, he would meticulously plan a menu and put on a feast—and there was always room at the table for more. Once he learned what a guest liked, they were certain to find that exact dish waiting for them upon every return to the ranch.
Throughout his life, Forrest remained deeply curious, loving to learn new things and meet new people. His smile and big personality were magnetic, allowing him to make friends wherever he went. He and Sylvia were devoted members of First Baptist Church of San Saba, where they loved serving and teaching alongside the community, they held so dear. Even when health necessitated a recent move to Lubbock, he joyfully embraced new friendships at Southcrest Baptist Church and within their residential community at the Gardens of Shadow Hills.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Taylor Gibbons McGregor and Maxine Doran McGregor; his sister, Dorianne Land; his parents-in-law, Poly and Thelma Millican; and two infant daughters.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Sylvia; his son, Greg McGregor and wife Paula, and their children, Corey Sharman, Lindsey Naizer, Haley Fiorenza and Logan McGregor; his daughter, Cathy Anderson and husband Randy, and their children, Clayton (wife Abby), Carley Esterak (husband Hayden), and Cole; his sister, Mary Jo Weldon; and a host of extended family and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.
Acknowledgment: The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the staff at the Gardens of Shadow Hills in Lubbock, as well as the team at Beyond Faith Hospice, for their profound compassion and devoted care to Forrest.
A visitation was held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12:30-2:00 at San Saba's First Baptist Church in San Saba. A funeral service followed the visitation, starting at 2:00 p.m., with Alvino Valdez officiating. The interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to First Baptist Church, 1306 E. Wallace, San Saba, TX 76877 or Beyond Faith Hospice 4523 114th St., Lubbock, TX 79424.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.