Mr. Willie Fortson was born in Habersham County on Jan. 8, 1941, to Ernest Fortson and Viola Stephens Fortson in Mt. Airy.
He was united in matrimony to Hattie Owens Fortson, and to this union three children were born. He peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 29, 2017.
He attended and graduated from high school in Habersham County, after which he received further educational training at North Georgia Technical College as a brick mason. He also served on the Clayton City Council for 12 years and served on several boards, such as the hospital board, board of education, recreational board, and was responsible for implementing several grants. He taught Sunday school at the Ivy Hill Baptist Church and was also a member of the Clayton Church of God, where he served the Lord faithfully. Willie also was employed by The Home Depot.
He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Fortson; three brothers, Oscar Fortson, Clifford Fortson and Ernest Fortson; and one sister, Fannie Fortson Dooley.
He leaves, to cherish his memories, two sons, and one daughter-in-law, Mitchell Fortson, of Cornelia, Adrian Fortson, of the home and Kathleen Cunningham Fortson, of Buford; two grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law, Shawn Cunningham (Nicole), of Atlanta, Michael T. Fortson, of Buford; one sister, Ladell Tutt, of Cornelia; five sisters-in-law: four brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family received friends at the Clayton Church of God on Sunday, July 2, 2017, from 1-2 p.m.
A funeral service was held at the Clayton Church of God at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017, with the Rev. Brian Alexander officiating.
Interment followed the funeral service in the Penland Cemetery.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune, July 6, 2017
