of Harrison,
September 15, 1936 - October 13, 2020
George Charles Fortner has gone home. He has had leaving on his mind for a long time. After 2 moves in the last few years, he has constantly asked to go home. When I would say, ''we are home'', he would say, ''they tell me this is home but it is not.'' He has now gone Home. He has stood before the judge to receive the verdict of the deeds done in the flesh. I know he received the coveted, ''Welcome, good and faithful servant, you have won the Victors Crown.''
Charles was born in the era of the great depression to a poor, wise but uneducated farmer, and a mother who was the daughter of a highly respected doctor. He was born months before his time and required long time nurses care. He was the middle child with a doting mother and two teenage sisters, so of course, he was the darling of the family. His father called him ''the gentleman''. He never quite learned what ''no'' meant.
He grew into a healthy young man with a passion for sports, especially basketball. He received many awards as he played for the St. Joe Wildcats. He played during the 1950s when St. Joe was the premiere team in NW Arkansas. Winning best Allstate status, producing young men that were honored on a national level. One teammate still holds the world title in the Guinness Book of World Records for scoring over 100 points in one game, Morris Dale Mathis. This feat was published in the state papers and mentioned Charles Fortner as one of the best little guards in the state. He accepted a scholarship to Arkansas Tech University. He loved college life and all the attention he got. However, when it came time to answer the professor that was a different story. He couldn't seem to get his head around the one thing he had to learn, or go home, the dreaded kinesiology class. He went home.
He spent several years working for Linkway Furniture in their local store in Harrison. It was a chain of six or larger stores in larger towns, but he was their top salesman overall. He had a downhome, scrupulous honesty that earned him many friends when you could get past the 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou' joking.
Charles loved his God and his church, Harrison Faith, and was the sole remaining charter member of the founding board. He was a founding member of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship. He spent his retirement years on his beloved farm with his cattle and he loved every minute of it. His town years were spent shooting the breeze at WalMart with his friends, especially Mr. McCutcheon. His greatest enjoyment in his life was being with grandchildren and being their Papa or Paw-Paw.
Through this sad and difficult journey, we have found ourselves in we say ''God is good, he is a friend and comforter to the brokenhearted. Now fly swiftly home Paw-Paw we'll see you soon. Love, gratitude, and thanks to Dr. Blake Chitsey, Dr. Gary Linker, and his wonderful team. Y'all are the best and what would we have done without you?
He was survived in death by his wife, Wanda Kuykendall Fortner, of the home; his daughter, Daina Fortner Ramsey and husband Don, and grandsons Nicholas Ramsey, and wife Andrea, and grandson Taylor Ramsey, and wife Megan, and great-grandson Liam Ramsey, son of Nicholas and Andrea Ramsey, and another sweet great-grandson to Taylor and Megan Ramsey due to arrive early next year; his daughter, Stacy Leigh Fortner Hilligoss and husband Jason, and granddaughters Allison Hilligoss, Adison Hilligoss, and Madison Tramell, and grandson Kason Hilligoss; his sisters, Lucille Dart, Judy Dart, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Jessie Elam Fortner; his siblings, Nadine Davenport, Myrtle Anderson, Ray Fortner, Ellen Langston, and Rex Fortner; and a granddaughter, Daina Dawn Ramsey.
Service was Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Harrison Faith Assembly Church, at 2:00 PM with Arlis Thrasher officiating.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation was Friday, October 16, 2020, 5 7 PM at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks
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15 Condolence(s)
Lynda Villines
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Wanda, so sorry to hear about Charles. Praying for you & your family. Love you, Lynda Villines . 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Mitch and Natalie Cash
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. We enjoyed his personality and being neighbors with him. Prayers for all of you.
Donald and Sally Wooldridge
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Our condolence to the family. I so enjoyed my periodic talks with Charles. Charles, miss you my friend.
Quinton & Jo Williams/Missy Newton
Saturday, October 17, 2020
We are so very sorry to hear about Charles. We loved him and he will be greatly missed. Praying for you all and we love you guys. Many hugs much love and tons of prayers sent your wayðŸ™â¤ï¸
Adeline Beach
Saturday, October 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about Charles. You all were always my favorite people to be around and I love you all very much. May God be with you through this.
Adeline Beach
Golden Pawn Shop.
Steve and Kathy McMath
Friday, October 16, 2020
Our sincere heartfelt condolences to the family. We pray for comfort in the coming days and in knowing you will see him someday soon.
Steve and Kathy McMath
eddie G. carter
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Sad to hear about Charles. He was always good to me, and always quick with a smile. Charles always knew his friends and went out of his way to speak and offer his hand no matter where you were fortunate to meet him. He will be missed and leave a void in the hearts of all who knew him. The highest praise I can give him is this, "He was my friend". I look forward to seeing him again when my time comes.
Nelson & Betty Ragland
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Dear Family. We are so sorry for your loss, but happy for the homecoming Charles will receive in Heaven. We have know Charles for over fifty years and he was always such a good Christian example to us. We will miss him on earth but will see him in Heaven.
Our prayer for comfort and peace
Nelson & Betty Ragland
Donna Taylor
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Wanda, Charlie was my friend and I will miss him very much. Missed seeing him when he moved to Harrison. My heart aches for you and my deepest sympathy goes out to you and all those who truly loved my friend.
Rita Moore
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Diana, Stacy and families - I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and strength for the coming days.
Tricia Hilligoss
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Our prayers are with everyone.
Thomas A. Gilley
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Janie and I send our most sincere condolences to the family in this sad loss.
Tom & Janie
Austin Mobley
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
I am so sorry too hear this I will keep you and your family in our prayer
Steve and Bonnie Hubbard
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Syncere Sympathy to the whole Family, our prayers are with all of you...
Steve and Bonnie Hubbard and Chris Hubbard and family
fred t woehl
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Always enjoyed visiting with Charles and sharing stories. He will be missed by all who knew him and we know we will see him again in Heaven. Prayers for the family.......