Jack “J.L.” Leroy Fortner

Mr. Jack “J.L.” Leroy Fortner, age 92, of Dahlonega, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Jack was born in White County on February 8, 1933, to the late Bill and Eliza Fortner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all ten of his siblings.

A proud veteran, Mr. Fortner served his country honorably in the United States Army. He also served his community with dedication as a member of the Lumpkin County Board of Education for twelve years. Jack was known as an honest, hardworking man who found joy in simple things—most days were spent tending to his farm and “watching things grow.” An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish, but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Joyce Fortner; daughter, Pam Hallman; sons and daughters-in-law, Lee and Linda Fortner, and Horace and Denise Fortner, all of Dahlonega; grandchildren, Ashley and Jessica Fortner, Leann and Eric Thomas, Jared and Tabitha Pethel, Carmen and Quentin Self, Isaac and Kaila Fortner; ten great-grandchildren, with one more soon to arrive; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Phillip Robinson and Mr. Horace Fortner will officiate. Interment will follow at Cavenders Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Quentin Self officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, August 29, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Mr. Fortner’s memory.

To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, please visit Mr. Fortner’s online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533