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Jackie Willard Fortner, 82, Elizabethton, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center.
A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late Elbert and Ada Bell Smith Fortner. He was a graduate of Unaka High School where he was a member of the baseball team.
Jackie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed at Great Lakes until it closed and retired from Bosch Inc., Johnson City. Jackie was an avid golfer and athlete. He played organized sports most of his life. He made a hole-in-one August 10, 2012 and won a state championship with his teammates in his 50+ basketball league. He loved nature and loafin’ in the mountains.
Jackie was a member of Caldwell Springs Baptist Church but attended First Baptist Church of Elizabethton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Todd Fortner; three brothers, Dennis, Wayne and William Fortner; and two sisters, June Hicks and Jean Webb.
Survivors include his son, Keith Fortner, and grandson, Dwayne Fortner. He had a very special friend and companion, Peggy Campbell, whom he loved dearly. He had several nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Travis Fortner. He loved his two special little friends, Kennedy and Peyton.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Old Horseshoe Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Todd Hallman officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be his golfing buddies. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Bus Fund, 212 East F Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Fortner family.