Anthony Craig Fort

Anthony Craig Fort (Tony) was born to the union of William Lee Fort, Jr. and Aljewell Nelson Fort on September 25, 1970.  Anthony grew up with strong family values that focused on loving the Lord, treating people right, and always being there for family.

Anthony was the eldest of four children including: Shellie Jeneane Fort (Grice), Eric Byron Fort, and Kindall Elaine Fort.  Anthony was always in charge and was very protective of his siblings.  He enjoyed spending quality time with family.   We grew up with country camping trips (hunting/fishing), riding mopeds and bicycles with our friends and cousins, playing stickball, jumping on trampolines, and running around the neighborhood until the street lights came on.  Have you ever push-mowed five acres of land?  We sure did; and our Dad made sure that we all did it together.

Anthony became a member of St. Ruth Baptist Church, Gum Springs, Arkansas at an early age.  As a young adult, he was a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church, Smithton, Arkansas.  Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, became his church home for remainder of his adult life.  He loved the Lord and let God’s Word guide his path. 

Anthony was always happy and fun loving.  You rarely seen him without a smile.  His personality and upbeat demeanor were infectious.  If you were down, he would lift your spirits with his kind words. He remained that way his entire life. Anyone that met Anthony and really got to know him would agree that he was a special individual.  An individual that was easy to get along with, relate to, and love as a true friend.

Anthony was a 1988 graduate of Arkadelphia High School in Arkadelphia, Arkadelphia.  While in High School during his senior year, he was part of the first 14-0 State Championship season for the Mighty Badgers. He truly loved playing football.

During his early college years, he met and befriended a group of men who would eventually be his life-long brothers.  He became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Spring ’89.  Anthony loved every moment of being a “Sigma Man” including brotherhood, educating and mentoring young men, and especially stepping in Greek shows.

Anthony served his local community as one of Gum Springs’ City Board Councilmen.  While he held this position, he worked towards improving various aspects of his community and promote accountability.   He believed in the motto of Phi Beta Sigma which is “Culture For Service and Service For Humanity”.   He was also a Mason of the Excelsior Lodge #13 for many years.

Anthony was a highly educated man. With his hard work and determination, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from The University of Phoenix.   He held off his education to ensure his siblings received theirs first.  When he received his degrees, we were so proud of him because we knew that they meant so much more to him than anyone could ever imagine.

Anthony was bigger than life and loved big things especially his cars.  Does anybody remember the long, silver Cadillac, the black Bel Air, or the old silver Caprice Classic?  He loved rolling around in those boats, leaning back and just cruising.

Our brother brought so much joy to all of our lives and he will be deeply missed.  

On January 6, 2021, the Lord called him home to be at rest with the loved ones that made their journey before him.  Anthony Fort was preceded in death by his father William Lee Fort Jr. (1996), his mother Aljewell N. Fort (2015), his sister Kindall E. Fort (1997), his nephew Tyrie J. Fort (1997) and uncle Leon Nelson (2020).

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his fiancé and love of his life, Sabrina McClurge of Atlanta, Georgia; his brother, Eric B. Fort and his wife, Monica L. Fort of Fate, Texas; his sister Shellie J. Grice (William Crenshaw) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; his uncle James H. “Sonny” Nelson of Chicago, Illinois; and his uncle Leon “Skippy” Blackmon Jr. (Faye Blackmon) of Van Nuys, California.  

He also leaves behind his nieces, nephews, great-niece, and great-nephews: Shakieda J. Grice and (LaDarius Crawford) of Memphis, Tennessee, Arneshia S. Grice of Garland, Texas, Archantae M. Wilson (Grice) (Kyle Wilson) of Commerce, Texas, Jewellen L. Fort of Fate, TX, William Kylen J. McKinney of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Emaure J. L. Fort of Fate Texas, Zacariah J. L. Wilson of Commerce, Texas, Skai M. Wilson of Commerce, Texas, and Elijah N. R. Wilson of Commerce, Texas.

In addition, he leaves behind four special brothers and sister: Alan Jefferson of Arlington, Texas, Christopher L. Dixon of Little Rock, Arkansas, Frederick Dawn of Forney, Texas, Charles “Chuck” Crockett of Anaheim, California, and Jennifer Story (James Story) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  He also leaves behind his beloved line brothers: LaMond Wheeler, Jay Hines, Mark Hearn, Alan Jefferson, Dr. Jewel Binns, Jr., and Marcus Calaham.

Anthony Fort also leaves behind a host of relatives, friends, classmates, and co-workers.

A walk-through visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, 1626 Logan Street.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all guests must wear a mask before entry. Please pay your respects and leave so others may enter the facility.

A service of life and remembrance for family and friends will be held at the Arkadelphia REC Center in Feaster Park at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all guests must provide a temperature check, register and wear mask before entry. Interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery.