David Edward Fortner's Obituary
David Edward Fortner, age 62, passed away at his Byhalia, Mississippi home on Saturday, December 17, 2022. David was born December 19th, 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee to Harold and Shirley Fortner.
He suffered a traumatic brain injury during birth and had to undergo many surgeries as an infant. Despite a grave prognosis and a low life expectancy, David lived a long life lovingly cared for by his mother and father. Shirley selflessly cared for David, much like one would care for an infant, every day for his almost 63 years. Harold and Shirley’s steadfast dedication, love, and sacrifice allowed David to live for many years, never separated from his parents and outliving every doctor who doubted him. David, affectionately called “Davy Crockett” by family, connected to life through music and the sound of his parents’ voices. David’s deep love of music was all-encompassing; he hummed and sang along to an impressive catalog of songs throughout his life, never forgetting his favorites and recognizing them from only the first notes. He was delighted by music of all types, especially hymns, Christmas songs, and popular music from television. He was particularly fond of the Andy Griffith, Perry Mason, and Hawaii Five-O theme songs. Although David was unable to do and experience many things most take for granted, he knew joy and the love of family. He will be deeply missed, especially by his mother Shirley. The family takes comfort in knowing that David has been reunited with his father and is now able to walk, talk, and fully sing for the first time in his heavenly body.
David was preceded in death by his father, Harold Fortner, in April of this year. David leaves behind his devoted mother, Shirley Fortner, his sisters and their spouses, Greta (Jim) Rich, Lisa (Rocky) Johnson, Andrea (Jean-Pierre) Guerin, six nieces and nephews, as well as four great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, December 29 at 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. all in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home.
To view the service live, please click on link below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/82590/hash:C6246482046AE7C5
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.
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