William Thomas Fort, Jr.

Salem, SC

William Thomas Fort, Jr., 78, husband of Martha Jayne DuBose Fort, died on January 14, 2017 at Oconee Hospital in Seneca, SC due to complications following a short battle with liver cancer.

Mr. Fort was born on August 2, 1938 in Sumter, SC to William Thomas and Mary Nell McClam Fort. He graduated from Edmunds High School, Sumter, SC in 1956 and Clemson University, Clemson SC with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1960 where he was a member of the Numeral Society and served as Editor of the 1960 Taps. He married Martha Jayne DuBose in 1962. He served in the US Air National Guard and was stationed at Morón Air Base, Spain until his father's death in 1962. At this time he returned to Sumter to run the family business, Fort Roofing and Sheet Metal Works, Inc. which he successfully operated until his retirement in 2005. He is a former member of Sumter County Council, past president of the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Association, past president of the National Roofing Contractors Association, former member of IPTAY Board of Directors, the Sumter Rotary Club, and he was a member of the Mt. Vernon Coffee Club. He also served as a Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, Sumter, SC and most recently a member of Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson, SC.

His personal passions included scuba diving, underwater photography, saltwater fishing, golf and was an avid supporter of Clemson University.

Mr. Fort is survived by his wife of 54 years, his sons William Thomas Fort, III (Kim) of Sumter, SC, Jefferson DuBose (Suzanne) of Mount Pleasant, SC and Andrew Carr (Heather) of Roswell, GA; and five grandchildren: DuBose, Craig, Carlie, Mary Bostic and Andrew.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Lewis Heyward and Melvin David.

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson, SC.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Sumter, SC.

The family will receive friends following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.

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

Published by The Greenville News on Jan. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Fort

Sponsored by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory.

17 Entries

Betty Kennedy Kane

February 1, 2017

Just received the sad news that we have lost my long time friend Billy. Jane, you and your loved ones are in my prayers. God is with you and will give you strength during this time of sadness. Billy will be missed by so many.

Sandra Baker

January 30, 2017

Dear Jayne,
I just heard from Joan Baker about Billy's death.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I remember you two fondly over our years of travel with the Roofer's Association.
I lost my dear Bill, Nov. 8, 2015, so I can understand
your feelings right now.
I know you will miss him, but rejoice that he is free
and complete with his Heavenly Father.

With love, Sandra Foster Baker
Raleigh, NC

January 25, 2017

My sympathy for the entire family. Billy was the most positive and caring person. Truly a special person loved by so many people that knew him. I feel so blessed to have known him. With love and healing prayers, Sue Pulliam

January 17, 2017

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Libba & Jeral

Bill Fort

January 16, 2017

My sympathies and condolences for the loss. I have been asked if I am related. Perhaps somewhere in the family tree. Please contact me at some later point to talk about family ties, both Fort and Dubose. God bless you at this time.
Bill Fort
Columbia

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Hinchie McGee

January 16, 2017

Sorry for your loss

Bess Thomas

January 15, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man.

Mary Wallis

January 15, 2017

Jayne, Jeff, Suzanne, DuBose, and Craig,
My heart is with you!
Mary Wallis (Pickens, SC)

January 15, 2017

Jayne and wonderful Fort family - Crossie and I lift you up in prayers knowing you are celebrating a life well led and surely grieving your loss. Blessings and may His grace and peace be with you.

Nancy King

January 15, 2017

Dear Jeff, Suzanne, DuBose, and Craig,
I am sad to learn of Billy's untimely death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you. Nancy

A W Jeffreys

January 15, 2017

To the family of Billy Fort,

I just learned of Billy's passing and am currently out of the country but wanted to reach out to you and express my condolences. I consider Billy a friend and mentor and know that the roofing industry has lost a gentleman and true leader. His wit and style, as well as his knowledge will be missed by many. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for his everlasting peace and for your loss. Jeff

The Lunch Bunch

January 15, 2017

He will be missed!

Carolyn and ernest Mcdowell

January 15, 2017

So sorry our prayers are with you

January 14, 2017

Will so sorry for your loss.
John A. Gann

Kathy McGee

January 14, 2017

Jayne, Excuse the Nell, not sure where that came from

Kathy McGee

January 14, 2017

Nell, I am so sorry to read of Billys passing; not attending Fort Hill. I was not aware of his illness . Please know I will pray for you and your family.
Fondly,

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