W. L. "Jim" Fortson, 83

W. L. "Jim" Fortson, 83 of Stout, died Wednesday February 17, 2010 at SOMC Hospice. He was born March 4, 1926 in Cabot, Arkansas to the late Homer W. and Minnie Inez Bearden Fortson. Jim was a WWII Army veteran, a retired Estimator and General Superintendent for Boone Coleman Construction Company. He was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of Aurora Masonic Lodge #48, Scottish Rite of Cincinnati, Southern Ohio Shrine Club, where he was a Past President, El Hassa Shrine Temple of Ashland, KY and American Legion Post #471.

Jim is survived by his wife Beatrice Heath Fortson who he married on November 2, 1968 in Portsmouth, 3 stepchildren; Larry Tracy of Florida, Barbara Marshall of Fishers, In. and Jeanne Miller (Mike) of Columbus, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, 3 sisters; Freda Johnson of Jacksonville, Ark, Emma Jean Spence and Alta May Lemay both of Cabot, Ark., and a brother; Pete Fortson of Cabot, Ark. along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Monday February 22, 2010 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Reverend Clark Hess and Pastor Kym James officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery with Graveside Military Rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Masonic services will be held at 8PM on Sunday with Aurora Masonic Lodge # 48 presiding. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Jim's name to any of the following; Cornerstone United Methodist Bus fund, Shriner's Children Hospital or SOMC Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com