Dr. Forbess Named Grand Marshal of McKenzie Christmas Parade

While vacationing at the beach this summer, Dr. Ryan Forbess played a critical role in saving a 15-year-old girl attacked by a shark. The incident occurred at Seacrest Beach on the Florida Panhandle. Dr. Forbess and his friend, Dr. Mohammad Ali, were in the water with their families when they noticed a commotion and saw blood. Acting quickly, they rushed to assist and helped save the girl.

Ryan Forbess grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee. He worked as a mental health specialist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center starting in 2000. He then realized his passion for family medical care and went on to pursue his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman.

He opened his own practice in 2022.

Ryan Forbess enjoys surfing, SEC football, golf, traveling, hunting, boating, and fishing. He resides with his family in Orange Beach with his wife, Toni, and his three children: Scarlett, Knox, and Reed, who are 3, 5, and 6 years old. He and his wife were immediately drawn to Orange Beach after their very first visit and have decided to make it their forever home.

He is the son of Bob and Donna Forbess and brother to Julia Kirkland and Amanda Fortune.

Help us honor this hometown hero as the grand marshal for the Hometown Christmas Big Jingle Parade.