Thomas Fortner

Bartow - Thomas Fortner, 86, was reunited with Joyce his wife of 49 years, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. Tom was born January 6, 1931 in Bartow, FL, He lived in Bartow his entire life. He graduated from Summerlin Institute and served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked at W.R. Grace as a Maintenance Supervisor for 36 years. Tom also owned Citrus & Cattle. Tom never met a stranger, He loved to talk to people and invite them to Peace Creek Baptist Church where he was a deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents Wiley Clifford Fortner and Vera Susan Dossey Fortner, brothers; James Floyd Fortner and W.C. Fortner, sister; Lavada Layman and his wife Joyce Flowers Fortner. He is survived by his sister Lavon Adkins of Fort Meade, daughter Jane Riddle & Paul of Denton, TX, son Timothy Fortner & Debra of Bartow and many neices & nephews. Family will receive friends Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10 to 11 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at 11:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. Memorials may be made to Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 8190 in Lakeland, FL 33802. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com