Terry Lynn Fortson

Terry Lynn Fortson, 61, of China Grove, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011. Terry was born in Cabarrus County on August 9, 1949 to Fred Stone Fortson and Thelma Ruth Fortson. He was preceded in death by his father and his twin brother, Perry Lee Fortson. Terry grew up in Kannapolis and China Grove, NC and married his best friend and love of his life, Sheila Fortson on August 17, 1969. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Rodney L. Fortson of Salisbury and Jody L. Fortson of Cornelius. More recently, Terry and Shelia were blessed with the arrival of their first grandchild, Jacob Dylan Fortson, 3 1/2. He loved both his sons and precious grandson Jacob more than life. In Terry's mind, a day spent with his sons and Jacob was a glorious and happy time. Terry believed that his last great calling was to be the best "Pop Pop" he could be. It can easily be said that he exceeded his own high expectations. Terry began his law enforcement career as a Rowan County Deputy Sheriff and concluded his long and distinguished career with the Kannapolis Police Department where he served from 1976 until his retirement in 2004. After retirement, he began a part-time career as a coordinator of Basic Law Enforcement Training at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. His career here allowed him to have a long-term impact on future young officers and the communities that they would eventually serve. He loved his work and everything he did was with energy and great passion. Those left to cherish the many memories will always remember him as a person who loved his family with all his heart and soul, worked hard, was a great friend, a good and kind neighbor, and a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Survivors include his loving wife, Sheila Fulcher Fortson; two sons, Rodney Fortson and Misty, Katie and Bradie Cofer of Salisbury; Jody Fortson of Cornelius; Jennifer Fortson and one grandson, Jacob Fortson of China Grove; his wonderful and loving mother, Thelma Ruth Fortson; sister, Becky Wood and husband, Bob of China Grove; and a brother, David Fortson and wife, Dixie of Kannapolis; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 pm Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Stan Welch will officiate. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove with Law Enforcement Honors conducted by the Kannapolis Police Department. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3:00 pm Thursday at Lady's Funeral Home.