William Royce Fortner

Mr. William Royce Fortner, age 87, of Copperhill, TN, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2009 at Fannin Regional Hospital. Mr. Fortner was born Friday, March 4, 1921 in Fannin Co. Ga. to the late William Floyd Fortner and the late Leona Beaver Fortner. Royce was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army WW II Veteran serving in the South Pacific and had retired from Cities Service Company. He was preceded in death by sister, Blanche Fortner Mason, brother, Edward Fortner, Clarence Fortner, Raymond Fortner, sisters, Helen Fortner Epperson, and a very special friend, Madelyn Miller.

Survivors include: special family, J. B. & Shirley Rhodes of Copperhill, Terry, Carla , Joey & Jacob Sparks, Terry & Kristie Gibbs, sister & brother in law, Mildred & Dell Powell of Augusta, and brother and wife, William Floyd & Martha Fortner of AL.

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 3:30 pm from the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with the Dr. Tom Jordan and Reverend Chan Mitchell officiating. Music will be provided by Bethel Church Choir. Interment followed in Epworth First Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Serving as pallbearers were: Terry Sparks, Terry Gibbs, Freddie Epperson, Randy Epperson, Bill Mason and Steve Epperson. Honorary pallbearers were: Members of Copper Basin Golf Club, Junior Lawrence, and Rev. Don Padgett.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.