Arthur Cowan Fortner Sr.

Arthur Cowan Fortner, Sr. August 7, 1930 – November 16, 2014 Arthur (Bud) Fortner died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Jefferson County, AL. The family moved to Ensley in 1941 and he spent the remainder of his life in Birmingham. He served in the Army from 1947-1949 Arthur was a brick mason by trade. He quickly learned the art of home building and developed many subdivisions in the Birmingham area. He is a Past President of the Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders. A man of deep faith, he was a member of Grace Covenant Baptist Church. The family is so grateful for the love and support of the church family. Arthur was a loving and generous man. He would give you the shirt off his back and go get you another one. Everyone who knew Art admired his work ethic, determination and strength to finish whatever he started. Art had a lifelong love of deep sea fishing and spent many happy times in Destin with his son Artie, daughter Lynne and best buddy Floyd. He participated in the Destin Fishing Rodeo for 57 years. He had some great fishing stories! And caught some big fish! He was preceded in death by his wife and childhood sweetheart of 62 years, Yvonne Fortner, his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. He is survived by his children Marsha Lynne Fortner, Dana Robicheaux (Bob), Arthur (Artie) C. Fortner, Jr., granddaughter Andrea Hooks (Jamie), a precious angel great granddaughter Vanessa Hooks, brother Wayne Fortner, sister-in-law Mignon Wilkins (Terry), nephews Mike Fortner (Teressa), Terry Lee Wilkins and special friends Betsy O’Neil and Floyd Lunceford. Visitation will be from 11am to 12 Noon on Tuesday November 18th at Elmwood Chapel. Graveside services will be at 12 Noon. All welcome. The family wishes to thank Stacey and the entire AlaCare Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Covenant Baptist Church, 463 Russet Hill Road, Hoover, AL 35244 or the Big Oak Ranch, P.O. Box 507, Springville, AL 35146.