Harold Fortner, Jr.,

Harold B. "Hal" Fortner Jr., age 58, of Taylorsville, passed away unexpectedly, at his residence on Sunday, March 10, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Born on April 17, 1954, to Harold B. and Edith Parsons Fortner Watson, he was a member of Little River Baptist Church. Hal was an avid supporter of ACHS football and basketball and will be remembered by his family for the  reading of his Bible daily and was a big fan of Louis L'Amour Western Novels. Mr. Fortner was employed by Tom Fortner Sawmill, which his family owned and had operated since 1972. He is preceded in death by his mother, as well as three brothers: Pat, Danny and Jamie. He also was preceded by his step-mother, Peggy Guy Fortner. In addition to  his father, he is survived by his wife, of twenty-two years Christine Duncan Fortner of the home. Three sons, Thomas "T" Fortner, Daniel "D.J." Fortner, both of the home, and Alvin Moretz, of Lenoir. Hal is survived by four brothers: Tom Fortner, David Fortner, and Mark Fortner, all of Taylorville, and Mike Fortner of Leonard Township, Maryland. He has several nieces and nephews, who also survive. He had so many special friends and his pastor from the Little River Community, who have been so supportive of Hal during his illness.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Alexander Funeral Service, from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm with funeral services on Wednesday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m. at Little River Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jeff Chapman, and Tommy Fortner officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body will lie in state thirty minutes prior to the service.  Serving as Pallbearers are Nathan, Steven, and Jeremy Fortner, Randy James, Ed Shook, P-nut White, Shawn Brown, and Roger Bumgarner. Honorary pallbearers are Rickey Brown, and Roger White, along with the Deacons of Little River Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Little River Baptist Church, 2070 Little River Rd., Taylorsville, NC. 28681.