Charles L. "Charlie" Fortenberry, Jr.

Charles L. “Charlie” Fortenberry, Jr., of Columbia, Mississippi, passed from this life into God’s presence on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at the age of 73. He was born in Columbia to Elsie and Charles Fortenberry, Sr. Charlie was an accomplished chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry and his work took him all over the United States, including Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He was very intelligent and enjoyed many interests which included music, playing guitar, woodworking, and being outdoors. Charlie was a man of faith and served his Lord and his community through his membership with Bunker Hill Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Deacons. He was devoted to his family and loved them deeply. Charlie will be remembered for his great sense of humor and the excellent advice that he gave to his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elsie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Barbara "Babs" Fortenberry; a daughter, Rachelle Fortenberry Steinhauer (Anthony); a son, Joshua Fortenberry (Amy); and five grandchildren, Abe Steinhauer, Lenora Rose Steinhauer, Abigail Fortenberry, Lucy Fortenberry, and Luke Fortenberry. Charlie is also survived by his three siblings, Pat Ward, Betty Jo Childress (Mike) and Philip Fortenberry.

The funeral service for Charlie was private.