Billy James Fortner

Billy James Fortner, age 81 of Harrogate passed away May 16, 2017. He was born June 27, 1935 to the late Arnie and Minnie Fortner. He served as a deacon for more than 30 years at First Baptist of Harrogate and Chester Avenue Baptist Church of Middlesboro. Mr. Fortner was the owner and founder of BJ Fortner Hardwoods for almost 46 years. He was a successful businessman, and contributed and volunteered his time for many years to coaching Little League Baseball, which affected & influenced young people for many years. He was on the Board of Directors of Commercial Bank for over 30 years and was a United States Veteran of the US Army. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son- Stephen Brent Fortner, brother- Harry Glen Fortner, sisters- Jo Ann Fortner & Mary Elizabeth Fortner.

Survivors include his wife - Brenda Allen Fortner, sons- William Todd (& Tasha Nicole) Fortner and James Allen (& Beth) Fortner, grandchildren- Rebecca Elayne, Justin, Elise, Victoria, Cassidy & Mason, great grandchildren - Chase, Stephen Brent II, & Regan, sister- Dorothy Lee Fortner, brother- Glen Fortner, sister-in-law- Ruth Fortner and a host of family and friends.

Funeral service 1 PM Saturday May 20 at Chester Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Collett officiating. Music performed by Irvin Gibson & Tasha Fortner. Burial to follow in the Fortner Family Cemetery. Full Military Honors provided by Tri County Honor Guard. Pallbearers: Gary Russell, Mike Robertson, Robert Sowders, Carl Osbonne, Tim Evans, Brad Froening, Eddie Jones, Sam Myers. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Montgomery, Frank Russell "Toppy" & Adam Robertson. The family will receive friends Friday May 19, 2017 at Chester Avenue Baptist Church from 5-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: Dr. Craig van Horne, M.D., University of Kentucky Brain Restoration Center, 800 Rose Street Room# MN205 Lexington, KY 40536, The Children's Hospital or charity of your choice.

Reece Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Please visit www.reecefh.com to send condolences or call 423-869-3651.