Fred Stone Fortson's Obituary
Fred Stone Fortson, 85, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2008 while receiving treatment at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, North Carolina. He was born in Madison County Georgia on April 4th, 1923 to William R. and Ethel Fortson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Perry Lee Fortson, and 10 brothers and sisters.
Mr. Fortson grew up on a farm in Georgia and at the age of 16 decided to seek his fortune in the Kannapolis, North Carolina area. In Kannapolis he met the love of his life, Thelma Ruth Daniel and they recently celebrated their 66th year of marriage. Over the years he operated a taxi service during World War II, worked in Cannon Mills, the North Carolina Department of Corrections (14 years), and Daniels Construction Company. During the twenty years prior to retirement he ran a used car business and service station near China Grove.
Those left to cherish the many memories will remember him as a tough hard-worker, a good businessman, and a good neighbor. He was a wonderful husband, a dedicated father and grandfather and a good friend. All of us will remember his good humor and the natural ability he possessed to tell a good story.
In his leisure time, prior to his illness, he enjoyed his garden and took a great deal of pride in giving his prize tomatoes to family and friends. He also always enjoyed the car business and after retirement he continued to sell a few cars on a part-time basis.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth Daniel Fortson; two sons, David Fortson and wife Dixie, Terry Fortson and wife Shelia; a daughter, Becky Wood and husband Bob of China Grove; a brother, Theron Fortson of Georgia; a sister, Margaret Farmer and husband Toby of Arden, North Carolina; grandchildren, Christy Rohletter and husband Chris of China Grove, David Fortson II and wife Jennifer of Salisbury, Terry Lee Fortson and wife Darlene of Marietta, Georgia, Rodney Fortson of Salisbury, Jody Fortson and wife Jennifer of Huntersville, Stephanie Reilly and husband Jackie of China Grove, Heather Wood of China Grove; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2008, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jimmy Barnhill and the Rev. Ralph Adams will officiate. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service for noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to Jackson Park Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1008 Moose Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083.
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