April 26, 1936-May 15, 2016
Billy Joe Fortenberry, 80, of Osyka, MS., passed away at his residence on May 15, 2016.
Visitation was at Hartman Funeral Home of McComb with services at the funeral home. Rev. Chad Yarborough officiated and burial was in Silver Springs Cemetery.
Mr. Fortenberry was born April 26, 1936 in Progress, MS to the late, Ray Sr. and Zelda Alford Fortenberry. He was reared with one sister, Alice Overall (of Progress) and one brother, Ray Fortenberry, Jr.
He attended Progress School while working on the family dairy farm and hauled cattle to auctions for other farmers all around Pike and Walthall County. He worked for Croft Metals in Osyka from 1957 to 1975 as a Supervisor.
On November 7, 1966 he married Daisy Roberts Travis and was married for 49 years until her death in January 19, 2015. Together for 34 years they owned and operated the Dairy Farm where he grew up in the Progress Community. They had 2 children David (wife Denna) of Summit, MS and Dana (fiancé Tim Addison) of Summit, MS.
Mr. Fortenberry was very passionate about his farm and loved his family very much. In 1997, they discontinued the dairy farm, but continued to farm his land and started raising beef cattle from 1997 until the time of his death.
He leaves behind to celebrate his life and cherish his memories 5 children and step-children: David (wife Denna) Fortenberry, Dana (fiancé Tim Addison) Nelson, Ozzie (husband Danny Ray) Givens, Bobby (wife Suzanne) Travis, Randy (wife Mary) Travis; 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Alexis (husband Morgan) Golmon, Kelsi Fortenberry; Blake (fiancé Brianna King), Ashley Nelson; Renee (husband Cody) Britt; Ross (wife Betsy) Travis, Craig, Carson, and Michelle Travis; Stephanie (fiancé John Miller, Jr), Steve Travis and David Smith; 2 great-grandchildren Weston Golmon and Abby Travis and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers were: Blake Nelson, Morgan Golmon, Tim Addison, Brad Fortinberry, Cody Britt, Mike Starrett, Steve Travis, and Tim Cooper.
A “Reunion” of Billy Joe and Daisy with lunch followed burial services at Ozzie and Danny Ray Givens residence in Mt. Hermon, LA all family and friends are invited.