Dr. Ryan Forbess Honored as McKenzie’s Grand Marshal

McKENZIE (December 7) — McKenzie is a long way from the sandy beaches of Orange Beach where Dr. Ryan Forbess, his wife, Toni, and three children, Scarlett, Knox, and Reed reside. However, the family traded the warm climate for some Tennessee weather and a chance to lead the annual Christmas parade in the city where Dr. Forbess was raised. The Forbess family also had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree in McKenzie’s Veterans Memorial Park in downtown.

Forbess made national news earlier this year as he and other vacationing medical professionals were at a beach during a shark attack. Forbess said God had a hand in gathering all the medical professionals in one place during this emergency situation.

While vacationing in Florida this summer, Dr. 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: He and his wife were immediately drawn to Orange Beach after their very first visit and decided to make it their forever home.