Jerry Keith Fortner

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Faye Fortner of Newport News. Jerry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Sandra; his children, Matthew, Jonathan and wife, Nora, Brent, his precious grandson, Jacob, and his brother Steve Fortner, and wife Jane. He is also survived by many extended family members.

Jerry graduated from Bethel High School in 1977. He was accepted into the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding and after graduating in 1981, worked there for many years. He married Sandra in 1979 and, while raising a young family, he attended Christopher Newport University part-time, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

He went on to work in Human Services in the beverage industry until his retirement in 2022 from Chesbay Distributing. After retiring, Jerry enjoyed working part-time at his Alma Mater CNU in their H.R. department.

In his free time, Jerry loved to coach boys in baseball. He enjoyed Bluegrass music and often traveled to festivals with Sandra. Jerry spent summer vacations in the Outer Banks with his family every year and loved to surf fish. In his retirement, he loved watching Jacob’s baseball games, working outside in the yard and having cookouts for his family. We will miss him forever.

Jerry’s service will be held December 8th, 2025, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at Parklawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squads.