Albert Fortner

Albert “Bear” Fortner

1940 - 2024

Albert Ondias “Bear” Fortner, 83, of Wurtland KY, went peacefully in his home with family beside him on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

He was born and raised in Gallup, KY, the son of the late William Cyrus and Eliza Marie Parsons Fortner.

He played baseball and football for Louisa High School where he got his nickname “Bear”. Anyone who knew and loved him called him Bear. He could throw a baseball 99 mph and would captivate an audience just to prove he still could in his later years! He spent his whole life providing for his family. He retired and quickly became a full time Papaw Bear to his grandchildren, whom he spoiled until his last breath.  

He retired in 2005 from Upper Piedmont where he was a heavy equipment operator (Pan). He spent time with road construction over the years helping to build New Circle Rd. in Lexington, Ky and the AA highway that provided a quicker way to reach many cities most traveled to from Greenup, Ky.

He was preceded in death along with his parents by his wife of 40 years, Joyce A. Fortner; a son, James W. Adkins; a grandson, Matthew Richard Adkins; a sister, Nancy Fortner and brother, Angus Fortner.

He is survived by his children, Albert (Jackie) Ondias Fortner Jr., Opal Fortner, Susan Zornes, all of Louisa, KY, a daughter-in-law, Sherry Adkins of St. Petersburg FL, Lisa (Kevin) Nichols of Greenup, Mary (Jeremy) Shelton of Flatwoods, Stephanie (Keith) Adkins of Greenup, Chantel (Ed) Spears of Wurtland, Daniel (Sara) Fortner of Greenup and Joshua (Tess) Fortner of Worthington; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly!

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Wright's Funeral Home in Greenup Ky by Brother Ed Spears.  

Burial will follow in the Tackett Cemetery on Smith Branch in Lloyd KY.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM till the time of the funeral service on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family will meet back at Lloyd Nazarene after the committal service for food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunrise Nazarene paving project and can be sent to 531 County Rd 17 South Point, OH 45680

Wright’s Funeral Home in Greenup, KY. has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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