Harold Edward Fortner's Obituary
Harold Edward Fortner, 87, of Byhalia, MS, formerly of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Mr. Fortner was born in Humboldt, TN, on December 12, 1934, to Robert Mack Fortner and Ola Lee Brake Fortner.
He spent his early years on a farm on the outskirts of Humboldt, where he milked 40 cows a day. He also worked at Bethshare’s General Store. Later, his family moved to Hurricane Mills, TN, and lived on the land, which is now part of Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
At age 10, Mr. Fortner’s family moved to Jackson, TN. Mr. Fortner solidified his work ethic as a clerk and photographer at The Camera Shop during his high school years. He graduated from Jackson High School and attended Fort Wayne Bible College for two years in Indiana.
On October 15, 1955, Mr. Fortner married the love of his life, Shirley Annette Jewell of Humboldt, TN. Two days later, they moved to Memphis, TN, where they lived for 49 years and raised a family.
In 1956, Mr. Fortner began his career at the United States Postal Service. He held several positions, starting as a substitute distribution clerk at the old Sears Crosstown Parcel Post Unit. He later became a general clerk in the office of the mail. In 1967, Mr. Fortner was named staff assistant for mail operations. He then was assigned to the assistant Postmaster’s office to develop a new mail collection system. When newspaper columnist Lydel Sims became postmaster in 1967, he asked to be introduced to his Public Information Officer. There was none. Mr. Fortner became a customer relations representative, and Sims mentored him as the first Public Information Officer. In this position, Mr. Fortner prepared press releases, published internal communication documents, and provided statements to the media, including newspapers, radio, and television. He also served as Memphis Division communication officer, serving the public affairs needs of 434 post offices in West Tennessee, Eastern Arkansas and Northern Mississippi. Mr. Fortner was also instrumental in the creation of the 24 hour full-service Airport Mail Facility near Memphis International Airport. After 33 years of loyal service, Mr. Fortner retired in 1989.
Mr. Fortner was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a soft heart for animals, and he adopted many rescue pets throughout his life.
During his retirement, Mr. Fortner remained very active as an avid gardener and enjoyed many years cultivating his land. He was also a life-long Tennessee Volunteers fan beginning when General Neyland was coach. The family is grateful he watched the entire Basketvols season and witnessed the Tennessee Basketvols win the 2022 SEC tournament for the first time since 1979.
Mr. Fortner was a devoted Christian and a member of Slayden Baptist Church.
Mr. Fortner is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley Jewell Fortner, his children and their spouses, Greta (Jim) Rich, Lisa (Rocky) Johnson, David Fortner, Andrea (Jean-Pierre) Guerin, grandchildren, Joshua Johnson, Bethany Johnson, Alexander Guerin, Daniel Guerin, Claire Guerin Watts (Terrence) and Christina Guerin. He also had four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hunter, Haylee Harper. and Gabriella Watts. Mr. Fortner had a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Fortner was preceded in death by his brothers, James C. Fortner, Wilbert A. Fortner, Robert W. Fortner, and sister, Jean Fortner Meadows.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 6 at 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., all in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. A reception will follow in the Parkside Event Center of Memorial Park Funeral Home.
The family wished to express their deep appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Charles King for their friendship and Joy Allender Smith's compassionate care during his final months.
Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Slayden Baptist Church, 2534 Highway 72, Lamar, MS, 38642, or the Loving Paws Kitty Lovers Rescue, attn; Linda Seaman, 50 Country Hills Drive, Jackson, TN, 38301 (731) 394-9622, Paypal to [email protected].
To view the service online
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/73216
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930
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