Billy Fortner

September 18, 1937 - March 5, 2012

Billy Ray Fortner, 74 of Graceville went to be with the Lord, Monday, March 5, 2012 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Chapel of James & Lipford Funeral Home with Revs.Raymond O'Quinn and Jeff Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Collins Mill Cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home directing. Family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mr. Billy was born in Rainesville, AL on September 18, 1937. He lived his early years in Avon Park and moved to Graceville in 1980. A retired carpenter, Mr. Billy loved planting and working in his greenhouse. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Sarah Bessie Budd Fortner, parents Vaniel Edward and Freida Louise Stockman Fortner; brother Charles Fortner, two sisters Geneva Farmer, Mary Rose Elder, two grandchildren Tara Batts and Joani Batts. Survived by one son Johnny Ray Fortner and wife Candy, Graceville; two daughters Freda Louise Adams, Graceville, Shari Marie Moffatt and husband Russell, Two Egg, FL; three sisters Virginia Harvey, Gladys Mae Cox, Avon Park, FL, Juanita Roper, Frostproof, FL; five grandchildren Sarah Batts, Chrissy Deon, Lacy V. Adams, Jennifer Fortner, David Ray Adams; step grandchildren John Barnes, Jesse Barnes; seventeen great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.