of Little Rock, AR
August 22, 1927 - October 27, 2012
John Fortenberry of Little Rock, Arkansas, died October 27, 2012. Fortenberry, 85 years old, was born in San Diego, California, August 22, 1927. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Maxine Beaty Fortenberry, and two sons and their families: David Fortenberry, his wife, Karen A. Fortenberry, two daughters, Anna Fortenberry and fiancé Bradley Williams of Dallas and Katie Peek and husband, Hamilton Peek of Little Rock; Don Fortenberry, his wife, Melody A. Fortenberry and their daughter, Megan, and son Eric all of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Hunt Williams and Kennedy Peek.
Fortenberry's parents, who preceded him in death, were James Elmer and Nellie Steward Fortenberry. John's brother, David James Fortenberry and his wife, Ocie Bolden Fortenberry, and two daughters, Linda and Susan, and John's mother died in an explosion at their home in North Little Rock December 27, 1966.
John Fortenberry was preceded in death by his first cousin, Olwyn Green Shields, of El Cajon, California. Mrs. Shields' husband, Gordon Shields, and their children, Susan Shields McKeown, Valerie Shields and Scott Shields and his family, all of California, survive him.
Fortenberry was a member of an Arkansas pioneer family settling in Lawrence County in the early 1800s. With his wife, Maxine, he was co-author of a comprehensive history of the Fortenberry family. The book, The Fortenberry Family in Arkansas, published in 1997 was accepted for the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. It can also be found in the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City and several libraries in Northeast Arkansas, the archives at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the Central Arkansas Library and the Arkansas History Library in Little Rock.
In 1931 John Fortenberry's family moved from California to Diaz, Arkansas in Jackson County. After graduation from Newport High School he served for a year in the U. S. Navy during World War II.
Fortenberry had a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a Master of Science in Education degree from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. He had 33 additional post-graduate hours from Peabody College in Nashville and the University of Arkansas Graduate Center in Little Rock. Over the years he earned more hours at workshops and institutes at Columbia University in New York City, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas and Stanford University in California.
While carrying a full load at the University of Arkansas in 1949, John Fortenberry started his forty-year career in education in Arkansas. He taught two and one-half years as band director and teacher at West Fork Public Schools near Fayetteville.
From 1951-1962 Fortenberry served in the Jonesboro Public Schools. He was band director at Annie Camp Junior High School, principal at Annie Camp, and served as assistant superintendent of the Jonesboro School System. Also, he was an instructor in the adult education program for veterans.
From 1962-1979 Fortenberry was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction of the Little Rock Public Schools. During this time he organized and initiated numerous school programs. He provided the leadership for all elementary and junior high schools to be accredited by the North Central Association of Schools. Other programs included compensatory education, an in-service program for teachers, implementation of the middle school curriculum and the organization of self-contained elementary libraries. He started the educational radio program (Station KLRE) and revived the long dormant string music program in 1965. He coordinated the school-to-school program in Bolivia and Germany in conjunction with the U. S. State Department for 14 years.
In 1979 Fortenberry returned to Jonesboro as Superintendent of Schools. During his tenure a millage was passed and plans completed for a new Annie Camp Junior High School facility.
After retirement from the Jonesboro Schools, Fortenberry was named administrator of IMPAC, a new program initiated by Governor Bill Clinton and businessmen Mack McLarty and Walter Smiley to place computers in the public schools of Arkansas, develop educational software and train classroom teachers to use computers in the instructional program.
Fortenberry was a leader in professional education organizations and in the development of educational programs in Arkansas. He served as president of Arkansas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and for a number of years was Chairman of the Curriculum Advisory Committee for Arkansas Educational Television (AETN).
Other organizations in which John Fortenberry was active included the state and national Association of School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and Arkansas Council for Economic Education. He was a member of Arkansas Foreign Language Council, American Association of International Education, International Reading Association and Kappa Delta Pi. Fortenberry was a program participant at numerous educational conferences including the Bi-National School Administration Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1967.
Fortenberry remained active in his retirement years. Since 1992 he was active in the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association serving in various capacities on the Board including president of the association in 1997-98. Since January 1996 he has been a volunteer computer instructor of SeniorNet, a program for senior citizens at UAMS Institute on Aging. Fortenberry served as vice-chairman, board member and chairman of Little Rock SeniorNet. In August 1999 Fortenberry was appointed to serve a one-year unexpired term on the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Board of Trustees, and was subsequently elected to two six-year terms on the ATRS Board. He served for two years as board chairman. He also served as a director of the Retired Teacher Housing Board.
John Fortenberry with his wife Maxine did a great deal of traveling. They visited some of the great sight-seeing destinations of this country and abroad in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, South America and Europe. During two of their six trips to Europe they attended the Great Passion Play at Oberammergau in Germany. In 1990 they took a two-months journey that traversed Europe from western Wales to Greece and Istanbul, Turkey.
John Fortenberry was reared as an Episcopalian. He joined Central Methodist Church in Fayetteville in 1949. Having been an active Methodist since that time including 47 years at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, John Fortenberry served in various capacities including member and vice-president of the Administrative Board of the church, chairman of the Commission on Education and of the Council on Ministries, teacher and leader in the Sunday School and served several years in the television ministry from its beginning under the leadership of Dr. James B. Argue.
A Memorial Service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with Rev. Britt Skarda officiating on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. A graveside service will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Newport, Arkansas on Tuesday, October 30 at 3:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.
Memorial gifts may be made to Arkansas Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, Parkview Towers, 1200 Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202, or to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.
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20 Condolence(s)
Gail Dunlap Sowell
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My sympathy and condolences are extended to the family of John Fortenberry. He was my band director at Annie Camp Junior High and I have very fond memories of those days...such a caring and easy to talk to person. My mother, Georgia Dunlap, was a principal at North School during Mr. Fortenberry's administration as superintendent and would like to also extend her sympathy to the family. Mr. Fortenberry certainly leaves a very outstanding legacy to Arkansas education.
Edye Cameron
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I was in the band when Mr. Fortenberry was director. those were good times, many happy memories. Sounds like he had a wonderful life, my sympathy to his family.
James, Phyllis, Sarah Pearce
Monday, November 5, 2012
Mr. Fortenberry was a very fine man who will be missed. We are praying for your family.
Russell Patton
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
David, Don and Maxine,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Forteberry left quite a legacy of accomplishments and a strong family.
You are all in my fondest thoughts and I will remember you in my prayers
Russell Patton lll
Charles & Carol Fincher
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Mrs.. Fortenberry and Family,
With heavy sorrowful hearts, we want to express our sympathy on your loss of John.
John was such a loving person, always caring about others and their families. He always had great compassion and concern for others long before thinking of himself.
We hope at this time you can celebrate and reminisce of the many good times and love he had for his family.
Love to All,
Charles & Carol Fincher
Mark & Anabel Boatright
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Maxine and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle John ! I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood visiting Arkansas to see the Grandparents and my Aunts and Uncles. Playing with (or running from) Ace the dog, fishing in the lakes, and cookouts with all the cousins. Prayers from Virginia.
Mark & Anabel Boatright
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Maxine and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle John ! I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood visiting Arkansas to see the Grandparents and my Aunts and Uncles. Playing with (or running from) Ace the dog, fishing in the lakes, and cookouts with all the cousins. Prayers from Virginia.
Christopher E. Hanna
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
A good neighbor for thirty years at least .
Ray Scott
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Forenberry family. I had the privilege of working with John and seeking his wise counsel as I followed in his footsteps at IMPAC. John's vision and leadership as he worked with Walter Smiley and Cecil McDermott was often a reference point for how to face challenges and deal with critical decisions. His lasting legacy of leadership in education in AR is a fitting tribute to his outstanding career and the stellar reputation he earned through his years of service.
Robin Martin Yates
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Dear Maxine and Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you at this very sad time. My family goes back so many years with yours as my parents, Carroll and Rosalee Martin, served with you in many capacities. Whether it was education, music or community projects, we always knew your family would be involved while living in Jonesboro. After reading the wonderfuk obituary in the Sun,I was reminded if all the wonderful things Mr. Fortenberry has done.
Please know that I will be thinking if you during the difficult days ahead.
Robin Martin Yates
Bill Beasley
Monday, October 29, 2012
Fortenberry Family. I knew John as a fellow administrator and followed him as Jonesboro Superintendent. Please know of my admiration for him as an outstanding educator. I appreciate all he did for the staff and students in his charge. He will be missed.
Bruce Mitchell
Monday, October 29, 2012
David,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad. My prayers are extended to you, your Mother and brother. May your memories comfort you at this time.
Jackie
Monday, October 29, 2012
Mr Fortenberry was the Principal of Annie Camp Jr High when I was a student there. On my very first day there I could not find my classroom. He was so kind and walked me there himself. I have seen him several times over the years and we shared some memories each time. I don't remember many of my former teachers but I have great memories of him. So sorry for your loss.
Joann Prosser
Monday, October 29, 2012
Dear Maxine and family,
.The picture of John brought tears to my eyes. I (our family), will miss him greatly. We have many favorite "Uncle John stories". We have been. blessed to be a part of his family.
The obituary is so nice, I am sure he is looking down with great pride of his accomplishments and his family.
You all are in our prayers.
Much love, Joann and Mike
Susan & Paul J Smith, EdD
Monday, October 29, 2012
In deepest sympathy! I was proud to work in LRSD admin in the same building with John. When our seven year old boy died, John came to our house bearing big bottles of Coke to sit with us and mourn/support We will never forget his kindness during this tragic time in our lives. John was an outstanding public servant who made an enormous positive difference to youngsters, his friends and co-workers.
Al and Emma Lee Gordon
Monday, October 29, 2012
Maxine: Tried to call you this morning. We were so
shocked and saddened. We send out love and prayers to you and your family. Will call later.
Al and Emma lee Gordon
John & Nancy Anthony
Monday, October 29, 2012
Maxine, so sorry for your loss. I talked to John recently at LRAC and we had a great visit. He was a great person and we will miss him.
John & Nancy Anthony
Herschel Davis Gaines
Monday, October 29, 2012
Fortenberry Family,
I was saddened by the death of your loved one. He was important to me as he took a chance and hired me as a first time administrator in the Jonesboro School System- a position I held from 1980-1994.
May you be comforted by warm, loving memories.
Mrs. Herschel Davis Gaines
Dr. Ed Passini
Monday, October 29, 2012
David--sorry for the loss of your Dad. my deepest sympathies. Ed
Luann Myers
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Condolences to Mrs Fortenberry and family. I was just 5 when we lived next door to David and Ocie at the time of the explosion. My mother (Virginia Smith) was very good friends with them. I have thought of them often and wondered how the rest of the family was doing. I'm glad to see John did so well. God bless you all.