Rudy James Fortner

Rudy James Fortner, 85, of Troutman, passed away Sunday morning, September 17, 2017 following a long illness.  He passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family and loved ones. Rudy was born October 30, 1931 in Cabarrus County to the late Arthur James Fortner and Elizabeth Moose Fortner.  He was a graduate of Scotts High School and served his country honorably in the U. S. Coast Guard for three years.  Following his service, he graduated from Mitchell College (Presbyterian).  On December 21, 1956, he married Alice Thomas Fortner, who survives.  He worked for J.C. Steele and Sons in Statesville most of his life.  Rudy was good at his job in the engineering department and traveled for the company all over the world.  He retired and from then on enjoyed being a grandfather to his two grandsons.  He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church for 20 years with his wife, Alice, who loved him so much.  Rudy had many friends at the church and helped in the kitchen as often as he could because he felt that was the heart of the fellowship.  He traveled with his wife, Alice, all over the United States and Europe.  They made memories together and he was especially fond of Texas, returning there over again.  Rudy Fortner had the best sense of humor, he could tell jokes and stories that would make you laugh better than anyone.  He liked to be “home” the most and loved his family and was always glad to have friends in for home cooked meals.  Rudy enjoyed working in his carpentry shop and could fix anything.  He taught his grandsons many things along with walking in the woods and how to shoot guns in the field.  Rudy was also a good father to his two daughters, making sure they were happy when he could and was always there to listen.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to many.  He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lucille Fortner. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alice; two daughters, Alison Fortner (Robert Dunlap) and Tracy F. Hawkins (Ronnie), both of Statesville; and two grandsons, Tripp and Julian Hawkins of Hilton Head, SC. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 2:00 pm Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Michael Gehring officiating.  The family will visit with friends in the church Memorial Hall following the service.  A private family burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children’s Ministry of Broad Street UMC, P.O. Box 69, Statesville, NC 28687 or to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC28625.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.