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FUNERAL HOME

Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. - Cascade Chapel

1199 Utoy Springs Rd, SW

Atlanta, Georgia

Alan Fortson Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

FORTSON, Alan Mr. Alan (Coach Al) Fortson of SW Atlanta entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2009. Plans to be announced byMurray Brothers Cascade Chapel 404-349-3000 mbfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Fortson

55 Entries

Avisus Humphries-Crews

March 14, 2009

God has His Hands outstretched for all of us to reach out & touch. You grabbed a hold & held on my friend, so be ye ever wonderful & stay where you are, because in my heart, God has a wonderful playground for you to coach on & lead the rest of us to the field goal! A touchdown, a great score, you don't have to worry anymore..Peace & love class of '79

Charlotina Truitt-Nesbitt

February 16, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of the lost of a great and humble man. I met Al through my God brothers the Arnolds. Al was like a big brother to me and always treated me like I was a little sister he never had. May God bless the Fortson Family and remember God Knows Best.

Charlotina Truitt-Nesbitt

February 16, 2009

Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain--
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain-
We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness if we never shed a tear...
Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow,
He tests us, not to punish us,
But to help us meet tomorrow...
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of a chisel
Gives the marble grace and form...
God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain
For every loss He send to us
Is followed by rich gain...
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament...
For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain...
So whenever we are troubled,
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirit strong.

Katrina Childs Stubbs

January 27, 2009

To the Fortson family, God doesn't put any more on you than you can bare. Stay strong and prayerful.

Ruben "Chris" Brown

January 27, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to the Fortson family. I knew Al during our time at Douglass HS and met him again recently as he coached my son in baseball at Sandtown Park. Al was a gentleman's gentleman who took his coaching responsibilities very seriously.
But perhaps most importantly, he taught a generation of young men that life, like sports, requires determination, hard work and unremitting focus.
Though we will miss him, we can take solace in the fact that Al will continue to live through all of the young people that he touched. May God bless the Fortson family and may Al rest in peace.

Ruben "Chris" Brown
Douglass HS Class of 1981

Quenna Cooper

January 27, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Calvin Jennings

January 27, 2009

Amen

Harold Hollingsworth

January 27, 2009

My deepest condolences to the Fortson Family. Please know that God is with you always in your time of sorry!

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

F.Douglass c/o '81

TERRI LANE-THIGPEN

January 26, 2009

AL, A SPECIAL KIND OF GUY, WITH A BIG HEART AND SOUL. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BIG GUY.

Langford Hutcherson

January 26, 2009

We truly lost a good man. May god bless your family.

Todd F Colbert

January 24, 2009

R.I.P Coach Al, I met you for the first time when be and you rode with Mr.Heard to Griffin. and you are such a very nice man you made be feel like been noing you for a long time.within that day. may god look down on your family and friends.PEACE!!! COACH AL YOU WILL BE MISS.

Al Hutchins

January 24, 2009

Coach Al will be truly missed by the community he loved (SW Atl) and it surely loved him back. CYO, Doug, Mays, and Morehouse won't be the same without him. Rest in Peace my dear friend. Al Hutchins aka Coach "Little Al"

Vanessa Bradley

January 23, 2009

"For we may never know all of the people we have touched...but in the end we will receive a great reward for what we've done" 'Big Al' - Your life was a light and you are already missed! We have worked together at Love Nolan for 7+ years and your quick wit and right-on-time humor is already missed. You were a friend to so many students and staff and made a real difference in your time on this side. Your seat (in the PE office :-)) is empty but we are comforted in knowing that you are with the angels encouraging us all from your seat in heaven! Peace and prayers to your family and loved ones! Much Love!

Kerwin Bronner

January 23, 2009

It came as a shock to me to hear of Al's passing. Just last week I was talking to him about my son and the upcoming varsity baseball season at Douglass High School. Baseball season was a time for us to reminisce about attending Douglass. My prayers go out to the Fortson family. Al will be truly missed. As my son's coach and my former classmate, we both say "good-bye." God bless and rest in peace. Kerwin Bronner--Class of '79

Gregory Harris

January 23, 2009

Al,

You will always be missed by me and everyone your life touched. As a cousin who grew up 100 miles away from you, the summertime visits and weekend trips were always adventurous for me. From playing electric football to being terrified by your dog "Ringo". From laughing about an adult we thought did something silly to comparing scores on a play-station or x-box game. From watching you play sports to watching you coach them. From hearing Smokey Robinson for the first time on your record player to recording silly things on the cassette player at Aunt T's house in Columbus. Through all those experiences and many more, you made us all feel happy and joyous because you made us know laughter and joy that was unconditional. Thank you for being my cousin and for being my friend. I will always miss you and love you cuz.

Greg

The Fortson cousins (Al is in the middle) Summer 67' or 68'

January 23, 2009

Jawana Rhines

January 23, 2009

God sent us an Angel, Al will be
missed. My prayers are with the family.

Deborah CJ and Cortez McDowell

January 23, 2009

To The Fortson Family
May God continue to bless you. Our prayers are with you during this time of bereavement..

Pamela A. Haynes

January 23, 2009

To The Fortson Family,
My heart goes out to Al's family I had the privilege work with him over the years at several schools in the PE. Dept. He was a kind and gentle soul. Always willing to give more than he took. He always brought out the best in everything and everyone. I know he has a place up above. Hugs Coach.......

Lisa Sinon

January 23, 2009

What a shock to hear of Coach's passing. I will truly miss him. He was one of the nicest people you could ever know. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone that knew him. He will truly be missed.

James Jennings, Jr.

January 23, 2009

Coach AL, you will truly be missed because you were a great role model to the youth and you did so much for the APS and the Atlanta community. What you instilled in them, I am sure they will never forget. You instilled many things into me not only while you and I were both affiliated with CYO, but also at Sandtown where I now umpire at. I took heed of those things. I never had the opportunity to have you as a coach, but the many conversations I had with you after games and "In The Hole", felt to me like you were my coach. I thank you for the advice. May you rest in peace Coach AL!

Robin Hill-Jones

January 23, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Angel Richmond

January 23, 2009

I send my prayers and condolences to the Fortson family. Al was my aunt's (Tutu) friend always had a smile and something to laugh about. He will be missed by many, May the Lord be with the family during this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace Al.

Pearl Adams

January 23, 2009

To The Family and friends of Coach Al, He Will be greatly missed by the Astro Family I enjoyed his great sense of humor and a wonderful sprit as we attended the football games and practices in 2008. Gone but not but not forgotten you will always remain in my heart

Elder Michelle Guilford

January 23, 2009

My...My...My
We have truly lost an earthly Angel, but Heaven needed him most. Al was such a sweet, sincere and goodhearted person and as many have said, his fondness was for the kids. I met Coah Al as a coach for my son's team almost 8 or 9 years ago and he continued to show an interest in my son's well-being. I am going to mostly miss a phone call at least once every week or two weeks just checking up on us and offering his help with anything that was needed. Every step taken concerning my son and baseball, I would run it by AL and he would advise me on what to do and how to do it. HE WILL BE MISSED. I know that Heaven is Rejoicing.

Glenda Shivers (Ward)

January 23, 2009

To the Fortson family: Al will truly be missed. He was a wonderful, caring and humorous gentleman. I met Al my senior year at Douglass when he came back to do his student teaching while he was at Morehouse. I have many fond memories of Al which will never be forgotten. I felt so much hurt and sadness when I learned of Al's passing, but I know that our God doesn't make mistakes. May God continue to strengthen us all as we say farewell to wonderful man. Love you always Al.

Glenda

Marcie Leemore

January 23, 2009

Al,

As always, "HOT" had to notify me of what's happening in Atlanta. In life, we often get so "busy" and it's not until it's too late that we realize all the things we were rushing to do aren't that important at all. You were like an uncle to me; helping me grow and mature in my most formative years. You were warm, loving and always giving to me...and everyone you knew. For this, you will always be loved and remembered. Thanks for caring for me and teaching me so much..about baseball, basketball, sports medicine, life, love, and most importantly, about myself.
Love and miss you always.

Craig Brazil

January 23, 2009

May God Keep and Bless your soul Al. When I came to Nolan to substitute for PE you were very kind. Your kindness and warmth will always be felt when i enter the building.I didnt know you well, but could tell you made a difference in many kids lives! Rest Bro!

Angelia Richmond

January 23, 2009

RIP AL!
You were a great friend to my sister Evelynn (TuTu) and our family. We have fond memories of good times with you.An amazing gentle man that will truly be missed.

Reginald Richmond

January 23, 2009

To the Fortson Family,
Al touched alot of lives and will truly be missed.My prayers and thoughts are with you.

COREY ANDERSON

January 23, 2009

AL, YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. WE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES AT JOHN A. WHITE. YOU TAUGHT ME A LOT. I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY.

Rasheeda Christmas

January 22, 2009

The Fortson family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Fortson for the past 3 years at Love T. Nolan Elementary. He will be greatly missed by the students and staff. Remember that "we must release the hand of the one we love into the hand of the One we have not seen".

Shirley Johnson

January 22, 2009

To the Fortson Family:
I worked with Mr. Fortson for several years. He was a very caring person. He helped in the development of my four grandchildren, and for that I am thankful. They loved him very much. He will be missed.

Avis Hornsby

January 22, 2009

To the Fortson Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences at this time. I was a classmate of Al's at Douglass High (Class of '79). I have fond memories of a pleasant and kind young man. His humor would sneak up on you and "crack you up".

I recently saw Al at some park (Adams or Sandtown) and he was out there cheering on some team. He was into the game and really seemed to enjoy what he was doing with the kids. He was pleasant and asked about my family and my daughters who are now grown. He seemed to be the same ole Al - kind hearted and caring.

It is wonderful to hear of all the lives that he touched while here on earth. Be strong and know that he is cradled in the arms of the Lord.
You are in my prayers.

Dwayne Arnold

January 22, 2009

Al, we shared a lot of time together growing up on Wisteria Lane and attending high school together at Douglass. I can remember how we use to tell jokes and laugh. I remember your first superbowl party, always around your birthday! Man, I will always remember those good times. I see that you went on and carried that joy to everyone else that you met thoughout your life time. That would be no surprise to me. Big Al was the same as a teen. Good people don't change! We are all going to miss you.

Eddie, Yulanda, Lawrence and E'Mya Munford

January 22, 2009

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Fortson. My children loved him. He was such a joy and we are going to miss him dearly.

Ryan Woodson

January 22, 2009

Where do I begin??? Is it @ Adams park on the 7&8 field, Is it on the hill @ John A. White when you were the HEAD of the ALMIGHTY CUBAN X GIANTS, Is it even as I am an adult @ Sandtown as I roam the fields umpiring knowing that the lives of the kids is a dream that you instilled in me most of my life as I played for you at CYO. "BIG AL" as I would call ya all the way up until the day you went on to gods kingdom. I am really saddened by your passing. The lord needed a gentle giant in his presence to control that holy baseball team of his. I pray for the Fortson Family, that the lord will give all of you the strength to realize that "Big Al" is o.k. No more pain, or Heartache. He is brushing off home plate right now so all of those individuals in which he touched can slide right on in to home & be by his side. With love Al you will truly be missed. The CYO Baseball nation lost a Great, Intelligent, Baseball Mind. I am happy the lord allowed me to be one of the many individuals in which you coached America's #1 Pastime. "Luv ya Al". Till we meet again. GABU.

Michael Jennings

January 21, 2009

Al,

This baseball season will not be the same! I will be coaching at Mays and looking across at the Douglass dugout knowing you are their guardian angel! Al, it has been about 28 years that I have known you and been affiliated with CYO (as a player and coach), but I have never known anyone who have cared for kids like you! You were truly a God-send and a blessing to many and all the kids that played all sports in SW Atlanta. God in heaven knows, you will be missed. I will try to understand it better by-and-by! Hey man, heaven just became a better place! Keep coaching in Heaven. God bless your family and RIP!

Michelle Arnold

January 21, 2009

I only knew Al as a college acquaintance, back when I attended CAU. I remember a very friendly and gentle giant. I'm sure he will be missed by many.

God Bless You!

The Smith's

January 21, 2009

Mr. Fortson you will be deeply missed not just by my family but by many more....Our deepest Sympathy is with the family of Mr. Fortson during this most difficult time........May you all find peace and solace in the word of God, as you hold on to God's unchanging hands. Heaven is definitely smiling now!

Sigrunn Underwood

January 20, 2009

To the Fortson Family,

I was saddened to hear of Al's untimely passing. However, when I remembered his gentle and kind ways, I was encouraged to rejoice. My thoughts and prayers are with you in hopes that you too, will be given the strength to rejoice. Blessed be they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Sigrunn L. Underwood

Adina Wade

January 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Valerie Pullin

January 20, 2009

My heart was broken when I heard the words that Al had been called home to God. Al was a very good person who was always doing things for the children of Love T. Nolan. He did not seek glory or want praise for what he was doing. "If I Could Help Somebody Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain". He lived those words. Al put in a good word with the Lord for me! I am praying for your family. The Love Nolan family is here for you.

Jackie Minor-Sheffield

January 19, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Al at Love. T. Nolan, during the fall feast I would volunteer with my best friend Tanya Lee. And Mr.Al and Mr. Williams would fire the grill up and we would eat so good. Mr. Al was a sweet and kind person,caring and had such a sweet spirit,he will be missed and know that my prayers and condolences goes out to the Fortson Family. And I know he is looking down on us as an angel smiling on us as he cooking his way up in heaven.I will miss you Al.

Yakeisha Robinson

January 19, 2009

My prayers go out to the Fortson family. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Fortson at Love T. Nolan where we often corresponded back and forth about Morris Brown College. I am saddened by your untimely passing and hope that your family finds the strength that it needs.

Renita Owens

January 19, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

La Tanya L. Matthews

January 19, 2009

Words can not express the lost that I feel. I meet Al five years ago when my son started at Love T. Nolan, and over the years we developed a special friendship. He always knew what to say to make me smile. He truly was a remarkable man and human being. I never meet someone who had such a giving spirit, a compassionate heart and love for children. The conversations that we shared will be cherised in my heart forever. Rest in Peace for I know you are with the angels now. And you will continue to smile down upon us.

Carl "Slick" Clinkscales

January 19, 2009

There's not enough words to describe everything this man has done for me. Anyone who was blessed with his presence knows what I'm talking bout because he did whatever for anybody at the drop of a dime. I'm grateful to God for such a good role model in my life for nearly 20 years. Love ya and I'll miss ya!

Carolyn G. Mathis

January 19, 2009

I will truley miss Mr. Fortson. He would always ask about my grandson Bruce , who is now in middle school,whenever I would pick up my grand daughter Amaurie at 2:30 in the afternoon. He surprised me in August when I was in the hospital when he called me to see if there was anything he could do. I will never forget that. I had promised him a strawberry birthday cake for his birthday on January 23rd, the day before Bruce birthday. He was truley a nice, respectful man.

Wayne Wright (Coach Skip)

January 19, 2009

Our deepest sympathy from Wayne Wright(Coach Skip-Mays HS C/O "86") and family goes out to the Fortson family. I just sat and watched some basketball with AL a few weeks ago at Mays HS. It is hard to believe that he is gone so suddenly. Coach Al was truly dedicated to the youth of this city especially those youth in southwest atlanta and Douglas HS. He will be truely missed.

Farrah Pullin

January 19, 2009

Words cannot express the shock and disbelief that I am feeling right now. Al was one of the last people I would ever think would pass on this soon. He was one of the most compassionate and generous men to ever walk the earth. Everything he did, he did it quietly and because it needed to be done. Not for glory, or a pat on the back, but simply because someone needed him. I will miss him, and his sense of humor, and his marriage proposals (LOL)! I am just going to miss him. May God keep his mother healthy and safe and offer her the solace in knowing that God called Al home because he needed another soldier for the Lord. Rest in perfect peace Al, you will be missed!

James Stewart

January 19, 2009

I had the esteemed honor to work with Mr. Fortson for six years at Love T. Nolan Elementary School. As one of few males working in the building, it was truly an honor to have known him. May God bless and keep his family in this most unfortunate of times.

Sincerely,

James T. Stewart

Kyle Bruce Fortson

January 19, 2009

Al,

I am going to miss you man. You were a golden-hearted man. You didn't always show it in your demeanor, but your actions shouted it out loud. We lost a good man and a good friend on 1/17/09. The kids lost a great, passionate coach. I will always remember the good times and the great times (1977-1978). You were and are my friend, my cousin, and ultimately my brother. I will miss you and your great sense of humor... forever. Be at ease man!

Love,

Moose

Charles Lawrence

January 18, 2009

I met Al in High School. We kept in touch during the college days while I attended Howard and he attended Morehouse . I helped him coach his little league team at Cascade one year in 1983 and enjoyed working with such a dedicated and compassionate human being. He loved being around his players .Recently we would meet at the High school Football games at Lakewood and he would keep me up to date on all the players especially the guys from Douglass High School.He was known by many people in the Atlanta Metro area.My prayers are with the Fortson Family.
Class of 77
SWH

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