David Wayne Fortner

David went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2021 in Tyler, Texas. He was born on May 2, 1966 in Ada, Oklahoma to David Lee Fortner and Paula Sue Dowell Fortner.

David grew up in Ada, Oklahoma. The family moved to Texas around 1976 where he graduated from Blooming Grove high school. In 1985 the family moved to Canton, Texas where David L. (Papa Dave) pastored at Tundra Baptist Church.

David worked many years in the automotive industry. In August of 2001 he made a change and began to work for AT&T. He retired as planned in May of 2021. He had always said that when he retired, he was going to sit on the front porch and shoot at cars. Susie, his wife, said “I am not sure he is going to be allowed to do that in Heaven."

He loved to fish and hunt, but his greatest passion of all started in 2012, when he surrender to the gospel ministry. He was the youth pastor for many years at Tundra Baptist Church, then God once again changed his path. David accepted the pastorate at Walnut Springs Bible Baptist Church in 2014. He had a passion for reaching lost souls, which many brought to Christ can attest.

The family hopes that the seeds that David planted will continue to grow his legacy in the years to come.

He is preceded in death by his father, David Lee Fortner; brothers, Bobby and Johnny Fortner.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Susie Fortner; daughter, Ashton Reynolds and husband, Delton; son, Lucas Fortner and wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Gaige Fortner and Hayes Reynolds; sister, Leah Storey and husband, Chris; mother, Paula Dowell Fortner and a host of nieces and nephews; and many friends.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021 at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Haven of Memories Cemetery.