Uley Ray Fortner was born July 26, 1943, to the late Rowan and Thelma Parker Fortner.
He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Hildredge and Victor “Pete” Fortner and one sister, Merna Fortner Hester.
He is survived by his sister, Inez Fortner Smith and brother-in-law, Marlin Doyle Smith, one sister-in-law, Jimmie Fortner. Ray is survived by five nephews and five nieces, plus a host of family members.
Ray is a Seventh Day Adventist and had a love for everyone, especially Jesus. He loved playing checkers, and was extremely hard to beat, although he would let you win sometimes. He also loved fishing and could catch a fish when no one else could, when he had to, he would use a string and a safety pin, he wouldn’t throw any fish away, even if they were too small, he would say “it’s big enough to get on my hook, it’s big enough to eat.”
When you visited Uncle Ray, you thought you were going to bless him, but it always turned out that he gave you the blessing. He always told you how nice you looked and pretty you were and thanked you for anything and everything you did for him. If you had a down day, just go by and visit with Uncle Ray, you would leave feeling way better than when you got there.
Everybody that met him will never forget his gentle, humble, sweet spirit. He loved everyone and was loved in return. He was a witness for his Jesus each day of his life. He sister, Inez said everyone needs a brother like Ray. Many thanks to the Azalea Gardens staff for their love and care for him, they were his family too. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m., Friday, July 05, 2019, at Moore Funeral Service in Wiggins. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 05, 2019, at Moore Funeral Service in Wiggins.
