William Frasier Fortner

I waited tables with Frasier at Mrs Marshalls Boarding house while in school in Auburn. I was a LCA and lived just across the street from Marshalls.
Frasier was always " big" and fun.
We made friends with the cooks and always received " left overs" if we wanted them.( we always waned them,fried Okra,& fried
chicken )
Knew he had a career in the Air Force, but didn't know it was such a great career.
Wish we had kept in touch.

I loved seeing Frasier at Mission Ave. It was always so much fun to talk to him with his big smile and wonderful stories. He was memorable...what more can be said. Just thinking of him always makes me smile. Much love to all of you. We will all miss him.

A fellow instructor and a great friend. I will certainly miss our lunches that we used to enjoy so much. You time was cut way too short.

Our paths first crossed at Barksdale AFB as newly minted KC135 copilots in 1968. We both went to Vietnam, then back to KC135s, at Robins. Or paths crossed from time to time as we completed our Air Force Careers and then went on to others. Last time I saw Frazier was in the Sacramento airport when I flew in there as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He was a great friend, and fellow warrior. God Speed Frazier as you "Fly West for that Final Checkride!"

I first met Frasier 50 years ago when he was assigned to the 913 AREFS at Barksdale AFB. I administered his first stan/eval flight check. I knew then, this young officer with the big personality was going places. Many years later, we were both living in the Sacramento area and again became friends as members of a military pilots group. Frasier was our Flight Captain for the past five years and I have the greatest respect for the way he could get things done and we would have a helluva good time doing it. It was a sad day when I learned of his sudden passing. Frasier was a great family man, military officer and I will miss him greatly.
We flew We fly

Frasier was my squadron commander at Robins AFB GA with the 99th Airrefueling Squadron, while Cathy and I crew together before I went on the General's aircraft. There is no doubt in my mind I was double blessed.

The other blessing is I had the opportunity to know the real Frasier, a kind, smart, funny husband and father.

Fly high my friend

Cathy & family et al, I light this candle @ exactly 11 am in remembrance of Frasier as he is laid to rest today with those gone before him. It is a sad time for those he left behind...as evidence by all the comments already made, he left an impact on anyone he met. I will miss this Southern gentleman, his emails, his passion with politics & Auburn football & yes, his never ending jokes. He was a big man with a kind heart. I'm so thankful that we got to share Thanksgiving a couple of years ago together - and witnessed ALL the pies which were delicious too. I'll treasure the good memories and know you will too. May God continue to give you comfort & strength during this difficult time. Our love to all

Good friend and neighbor at Panama City Beach! We will truly miss you!

We were lieutenants fresh out of pilot training on our first assignment. 1967 was the year and we were lucky to be at Barksdale AFB, La flying KC-135s instead of hammering Hanoi in F-105s. We hit it off right away and have remained friends all these years; a boy from Alabama and one from Louisiana. Airplanes, cars, mint julips and our young wives kept us busy.
We deployed all over the world, occasionally meeting briefly in places like Guam, Hawaii, Okinawa and of course back at Barksdale. Frasier spent an inordinate amount of time washing and waxing his 1967 Olds convertible while I tuned my Chevy SS 427. Needless to say we were strapped for cash and Frasier always referred to our predicament as the great check race; written checks racing the deposited ones to the bank. We probably would have starved had we not lived on base. We ate a lot of hamburgers, played bridge at the insistence of our wives and consumed copious amounts of alcohol. Frasier probably never forgave me for introducing him to Jalapenos at our house one night.
We both departed Barksdale for the inevitable Vietnam assignments. He was to fly as a FAC (forward air controller) and I was assigned to haul trash in the C-130 Hercules. We met again in Vietnam at Vung Tow AB. We were both enjoying our assignments. It was there that we lost track of each other for 20 plus years; he elected to stay in the regular USAF and I flew for the government in another capacity.
As fate would have it someone gave me his phone number and I called. I remember asking him who do you think this is and his reply after 20 years was my name and I would know that voice anywhere. We met again in 1994 as Bird Colonels at Robins AFB, GA. We caught up on the last 20 years and managed to spend some time with our families at his Beach house in Fla.
Family matters, jobs, circumstances, and distance have kept us separated with one exception when we came to Sacramento, CA . We stayed in touch by phone and email. Frasier was a dear friend and this was a surprise ending. I was in the process of answering one of his emails when I learned of his sudden incapacitation. No longer will I answer the phone to hear his distinct voice and inevitable laugh.
Frasier's passing will not dampen my spirits but will drive me on to what he would wish for me. Happiness, love of life, remembering flying, constructing and driving old cars, drinking mint julips, loving my wife and looking forward to seeing him in the resurrection .
Bless you Frasier, family, and friends
Col Allen Carpenter and Lana

Frazier was amazed that I found this photo, enjoy the moment

Frasier was my brother in law, he married my big sister, Cathy. She was my smart, strong, big sister who I always looked up to. Well, when Frasier came into our family, BIG changes happened. ( home remodel, 2 nephews and wonderful family gatherings) He loved to open their home up to friends & family for birthdays & holidays, Thanksgiving was his favorite. He was truly thankful for his life & loving family. He was a big man with a big heart ❤ and would always go big for parties!
( more pies, lots of pizza, plenty of food & drinks )
Frasier will be missed by us all in a very BIG way!! We are really going to miss his organizational skills in setting up the food buffet line across their kitchen island. Attention to detail was his specialty and getting us all full & happy was his goal. Well, he succeeded in his goals in life by leaving behind smart, wonderful, strong sons and an equally beautiful, strong wife. He had a big impact on all of us , in his own BIG way. I'll miss those BIG hugs and your joyful laugh. Love always, Candace

I first met Frazier at Barksdale Air Force base. The squadron assembled in front of one of the hangers to meet and greet the new arrivals. My attention was drawn to a tall lieutenant who had a very distinctive laugh and a clear southern accent, I had to meet this guy. What followed was a 50 year friendship. The most noticeable immediate impact on me is his missing daily reports that I would find in my email box. I will truly miss "Spat 13". May he Rest In Peace. Fly safe and clear my friend.

Frasier and I were college roommates for three years and friends for over fifty four years. I have never known a better man, had a better friend or respected anyone more. If you ever met Frasier, you never forgot him because he would never forget you or forsake you.
He set the gold standard in all the things he did as a Student, Military Officer, Teacher, Father, Husband, Friend and Patriot.
Thank you Frasier Fortner for all you have done for so many!
Jim Barber
Auburn, AL.

Frasier was a gentleman, patriot, hero, raconteur, and my friend. After I left Sacramento, I looked forward to his phone calls with stories about what was happening with our Daedalian brothers and sisters. Frasier made things happen, good things. I will miss him mightily. Hail, farewell and happy landings on your flight West, Colonel. The world is less for the departure of this airman.
Volabamus Volamus

My life was enriched by knowing Col Fortner as a member of the Daedalians in Sacramento. He was always witty and full of flying trivia. He will be sorely missed and can now touch the Face of God.
Respectfully,
Ron McKim, Roseville, Ca

A great Big Brother and mentor to me for many years after our Father Jake passed away in March, 1970. He is already, and will be missed by his family and friends for many years He was that impactful to our lives.

Colonel Fortner was truly amazing. He had such a huge impact on so many of his students. He was a leader, a mentor and role model. I am honored to have been his student. I am thankful for the things he taught me. Colonel Fortner can not be summed up into a few words. He is part of the reason I am the person I am today and I will always have a place in my heart for him! Fly high Colonel! Fly with the angels!

Colonel Fortner was a wonderful teacher, a true officer, always mentoring his young airmen. I will always be thankful for the years he spent teaching and guiding my sons. He was also a good friend and will truly be missed. Colonel, God speed on your final flight.

Colonel Fortner was my Teacher, Mentor, and Friend. I will miss him and always fondly remember him. He was someone whom I really looked up to. I send my condolences to the Fortner family with love Salute CA-934 2002.