Funeral Services for Fred Gortney, age 86 of Daviston, will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church (South) with Bro. Lane Elliot officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Gortney passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Clay County, attended Gibsonville School and Clay County High School. He worked for the majority of his life at Russell Mills as an overhauler, fixer and lastly in security until he retired in his 70’s. During his time at Russell Mills, he would also drive the school bus for Mellow Valley High school. He loved spending time outdoors, where he would spend time deer hunting and tending to his vegetable garden. Mr. Gortney’s family was very important to him especially his grandchildren so he made sure to never miss a sporting event they were involved in. Gunsmoke was always on the screen, and he was an avid Auburn football fan, always supporting the Tigers. Food was his love language, often having his coffee and an oatmeal cream pie for breakfast, or going with his family to Maw Maw’s Kitchen in Daviston. He was also quiet, reserved, resilient, and a little stubborn. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He was survived by his son, Charley Gortney (Debbie) of Roanoke; his daughters, Kathy Shaddix (Tony) of Montgomery and Kelly Cheaney (Michael) of Cragford; his grandchildren, Seth Gortney (Amber), Trey Gortney (Sara), Linda Kirby (Kent), Chase Cheaney (Tanner), Caitlin Booker (Alex), Colby Cheaney (Lindsay), Gracie Joachim (Kaven), and Kayleigh Gortney; five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Gary Gortney and Pearl McCain Gortney; his wife, Jenny Mask Gortney; one sister Dorothy Thrower; four brothers: Paul Gautney, Robert (Bootie) Gortney, Johnny Gortney and Donald Gortney.
Active pallbearers will be Chase Cheaney, Colby Cheaney, Alex Booker, Seth Gortney, and Trey Gortney.
His visitation will take place on Sunday May 3, 2026 from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church (South).
The family of Mr. Gortney would like to extend a special to thank you to the Southern Care New Beacon Hospice of Alexander City, to Nurse Haley, and to his sitters: Misty Ray, Melissa Blalock, and Jennie Jacks for the comfort and compassion in his final months.
