Horace Norman Fortner, age 85, of Arab, Alabama passed away October 04, 2025 at Diversicare Nursing Home in Arab. Horace was born in Cullman County, Alabama to E.A. “Dock” and Burney Duvall Fortner. He was married to Bobbie Travis Fortner for 62 years. Horace and Bobbie spent the early years of their marriage living in the Big Cove community of Huntsville. After the birth of their two children, Philip and Angie, the family moved to Arab and built their family home in which Bobbie still resides.
In addition to his parents, Horace was preceded in death by his beloved son, Philip. Also preceding him in death were three brothers: Donald Fortner, Cary Fortner and Robert Fortner and three sisters: Gladys Byrom, Helen Stillwell and Sue Sadler.
Horace is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his daughter Angela Williss (Scott), grandson Andrew Fortner (Kelsey), granddaughter Lindsey Purviance (Steve), grandson Jackson Williss (Sara Beth), grandson Nick Williss (Cenzley), great-grandsons Knox Fortner, Pierce Fortner, and Judd Fortner, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Diversicare Nursing Home and Compassus Hospice for their unwavering support and care shown to Horace and to the family.
The family will receive friends on Friday October 10th, from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. The graveside service will immediately follow at 1:00pm at Brooklyn Cemetery in Holly Pond, with Verlon Willmon and Andrew Fortner officiating.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Horace’s memory, donations can be made online to Compassus
Hospice (compassuslivingfoundation.org) or by mail to Bonds Chapel Holiness Church (C/O Bro. Verlon Willmon, 3480 Creek Circle, Guntersville, AL 35976).
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
