The funeral service for Linda Sue Smith Gortney, age 73 of Ashland, will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Lystra Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Barkley officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Mrs. Gortney passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at her home. She was a native and life-long resident of Clay County and a graduate of Clay County High School. Mrs. Gortney had worked in the banking industry for a number of years. She was one of the original employees with the start-up of First State Bank, then worked for the First National Bank in Ashland and finished her banking career as branch manager for the America First Federal Credit Union in Talladega. Mrs. Gortney went on to work in the transportation department of Wellborn Cabinets before retiring in 2009. She was an avid bowler and softball player and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Gortney was also a member of Lystra Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher there.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Douglas Gortney of Ashland; two sons: Vic Gortney (Tammy) and Phil Gortney (Donna), both of Ashland; four sisters: Carolyn Cotney of Ashland, Naomi McCain of Alexander City, Doris Saxon (Ralph) of Ashland and Pat Heaton (Robert) of Kellyton; two brothers: Howard Smith (Martha) and Dexter Smith, both of Ashland; four grandchildren: Shawnee Hill (Cody), Ethan Gortney, Nathan Gortney and Mason Gortney, all of Ashland.
Mrs. Gortney was preceded in death by her parents: Russell Thomas Smith and Delois Suggs Smith and two brothers: Charles and Bruce Smith.
Pallbearers will be Ethan Gortney, Nathan Gortney, Mason Gortney, Cody Hill, Howard Smith and Dexter Smith.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville. Mrs. Gortney will lie in state for one hour prior to service at the church.
