John Fortney, Sr.

John Robert Fortney, Sr. passed away at the age of 90 on March 19, 2018 at Pinnacle Nursing Center in Smyrna, DE.  John was born August 31, 1927 in Greensboro, MD, the son of George & Florence Fortney.

John was a graduate of Greensboro High School in Maryland who served his country in the United State Army as a heavy equipment operator instructor.  He worked 40 years before retirement from George and Lynch Inc. as a crane operator.  He was a hard worker and avid horseracing fan.  He enjoyed spending time outside, tinkering, and gardening.   He had a great sense of humor.  John loved a good joke.  His family shared about his faith that he described himself in the service of God as  a “Holy Roller.” 

He is survived by his children, Joan (Scott) Beebe & John Jr. (Guy Watson); grandchildren, Elizabeth (George) Merritt, Robert Clay Wilhelm, Tiffany Wilhelm (Glen Geras) & Thorn Fortney; great grandchildren, Cheyenne, George, Ethan, Eyan, Eden, Savannah, Dominic & Zachary; sisters, Shirley Towers, Emma Price & May Crop; son-in-law, Daniel Clay Wilhelm.  Mr. Fortney is preceded in death by his wife, Sara; daughter, Wanda Wilhelm & grandson, Jesse Beebe.

A graveside service will take place Monday, March 26, 2018, 1 pm at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover, Delaware.

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