Forrest Lee Avila, 69, of Warren, RI, passed away at his home in Warren on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late Erlino Avila and Marcia (Luther) Avila, Forrest served as an attorney for the Rhode Island Department of Education for 35 years before retiring in 2013. He got his start at the Attorney General’s Office, and he once argued and won a case before the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Avila was a short wave and ham radio enthusiast. He was a voracious reader and avid Rhode Island history buff. He had been a part of the Rhode Island Bar Association since 1973, spoke many languages and was a lifelong learner.

He was the brother of the late Timothy Avila and the nephew of Robert Avila of Florida. He is remembered by his cousin, Alden Smith of Rehoboth, MA; his two nieces, Bethany Avila-Lane and Meredith Avila; and his nephew, Andrew Lee Avila.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Smith Funeral, Memorial and Cremation Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren. Burial will follow in the North Burial Ground in Bristol. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Gifts in his memory can be sent to the Warren Animal Shelter, 80 Wood St., Warren, R.I. 02885.

See www.wjsmithfh.com.