Jackie Willard Fortner

Notes:

Jackie Willard Fortner, 82, Elizabethton, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Elbert and Ada Bell Smith Fortner. He was a graduate of Unaka High School where he was a member of the baseball team. Jackie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed at Great Lakes until it closed and retired from Bosch Inc., Johnson City. Jackie was an avid golfer and athlete. He played organized sports most of his life. He made a hole-in-one August 10, 2012 and won a state championship with his teammates in his 50+ basketball league. He loved nature and loafin’ in the mountains. Jackie was a member of Caldwell Springs Baptist Church but attended First Baptist Church of Elizabethton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Todd Fortner; three brothers, Dennis, Wayne and William Fortner; and two sisters, June Hicks and Jean Webb. Survivors include his son, Keith Fortner, and grandson, Dwayne Fortner. He had a very special friend and companion, Peggy Campbell, whom he loved dearly. He had several nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Travis Fortner. He loved his two special little friends, Kennedy and Peyton. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Old Horseshoe Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Todd Hallman officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be his golfing buddies.

Elbert married Ada B. Smith about 1932 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Ada (daughter of Columbus W. Smith and Jessie (Smith)) was born about 1907 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Death Certificate:
Born 12 Sep 1874, NC
Died 9 Jan 1940
Mother Eliza Carden
Informant C. C. Lewis

WWI Draft Registration Card:
Born 1877, day and month unknown
Desribed as tall with a stout build, blue eyes and light brown hair.

Gravestone in Old Horseshoe Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery:
Born 1882
Died 1939

Carter County, TN Census Records
1910 - Born 1878 TN
1920 - Born 1883 NC
1930 - Born 1885 NC

Columbus married Margret G. "Maggie" Estep on 19 Feb 1901 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Margret (daughter of William L. Estep and Rebecca Roberts) was born about 1874 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died about 1976 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Old Horseshoe Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Columbus married Jessie (Smith) about 1904 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Jessie was born about 1889 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Rebecca Roberts on 26 Feb 1869 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Rebecca (daughter of Allen Roberts and Mary McElyea) was born on 9 Jul 1837 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 28 Jul 1919 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Estep Cemetery, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hamilton married Celia Jane Campbell about 1865 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Celia was born about 1839 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]