George Arlington Fortson

George Arlington Fortson December 10, 1937- October 6, 2007 ALBANY, GA— George Arlington Fortson, 69, son of the late Rev. Dr. A.W. and Ella Jackson Fortson, departed this life on October 6, 2007 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA. He was born December 10, 1937 in Union Springs, AL., the youngest of seven children. He was educated in the elementary schools of Union Springs, AL. and Columbus, GA. A graduate of William H. Spencer High School of Columbus, GA., he went on to earn a Bachelors Degree from Tuskegee University (Institute) of Tuskegee, AL. A veteran of the Armed Services, he served a tour of duty in Germany. He was employed at Albany State University (College) for several years and retired from Merck & Company in 1993 after many years of dedicated service. Confessing Christ as his personal Savior, he joined Friendship Baptist Church in Columbus, GA. under the pastorate of his father, A.W. Fortson. He moved to Albany, GA. in 1963 and joined Shiloh Baptist Church, under the leadership of H.C. Boyd, where he served faithfully on the Board of Trustees and as a Sunday School teacher. Besides his love for Christ, there was nothing more important to George than his family. George was preceded in death by three brothers, Arthur, Roscoe and Carver Fortson and one sister, Mabel Fortson Harris. Pleasant memories will be eternally cherished by his devoted wife of 44 years, Barbara Crawford Fortson; two sons, Kesal Fortson (Nedra) and Kerwin Fortson (Mischelle), all of Albany, GA.; two sisters, Lillie Fortson Allen of Los Angeles, CA. and Ella Fortson Jones of Columbus, GA.; three grandchildren, Kole Arlington Fortson, Korey David Fortson, and Aaliyah Alexandria Fortson; a loving mother in law, Alma Crawford, all of Albany, GA.; three sisters in law, Yvonne Fortson of Atlanta, GA., Katherine Fortson of Claremont, CA. and Shirley Roberts (Jimmy) of Albany, GA.; a brother in law, Andrew Crawford (Mary) of Vaux Hall, NJ.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Meadows Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life of George Arlington Fortson will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Friday, October 12, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Daniel Simmons, pastor, Rev. H.C. Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Memory Garden Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Meadows Funeral Home, Albany, GA.