Johnny George Fortner, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at his home in Murfreesboro, TN. A native of Bryson City, North Carolina, he was born November 22, 1941 to the late Elijah Fortner, Sr. and Nota Belle Baines Fortner. He was also preceded in death by a son, David Andrew Fortner; two brothers, Elijah Fortner, Jr. and Jackie P. Fortner; sisters, Maxine Fortner and Josephine Fortner Moore.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat Fortner; son, Joel Fortner (Emilee); grandsons, Jean-Luc Fortner (Cheyenne) and Ethan Young (Lily); great grandchildren, Gabriel, Michael, and Freya Fortner and Evren Young; brother, Roger Fortner (Connie) and sister, Lois Fortner Crisp (Ray).
Johnny was always ready to share his faith with others and served faithfully as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for 48 years. He loved gospel music and sang with several gospel quartets. Johnny was a kind and generous man and was respected by those who knew him and called him friend. He never met a stranger which helped him in his career as a sales representative for two chemical companies and many of his customers became friends through the years. As an avid fisherman, he loved sharing his fishing supplies when friends visited and they shared their big fish stories.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, September 8, 2025 from 9:00-11:00 AM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Old Paths Baptist Camp, 706 Richard Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
