Mr. Charlie Lawrence Fortson "Chuck" passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the age of 80. He was born on February 10, 1944 to the late Sam Clark and Mary Louise Fortson in Upatoi, Ga.
On August 7, 2024, Charlie Fortson died at 80 years old. Charlie was born on February 10, 1944 in Upatoi, Georgia. Charlie graduated from William H. Spencer High School in 1962 and attended Columbus College. Charlie was a U.S. Army Veteran. After his military service, he joined the Columbus Police Department. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Upatoi. Charlie operated the first black owned bonding company in Columbus, Georgia. Charlie is survived by his wife, Dorothy Fortson; his daughter, Tamala Smith (Shaunn), his son, Nicholas Fortson and his grandchildren, Hunter and Logan Smith; his sisters, Nadine Jackson, Sarah Gilbert, Maxine Gilbert, Callie Heath, Mary Chappell (Willie), Rose Elder, Annie D. Clark, Shirley Bell, and Darlene Clark; his brothers, L.J Clark, Dolcater Clark, and John Clark; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Sam Clark, Sr. and Mary Louise Fortson, Charlie was preceded in death by his son Donnie Pierson, his brother-in-law George Jackson, his brothers, Joe L. Clark and Sam Clark, Jr.
Mr. Fortson will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, AL on Friday, August 16, 2024 after a 10:30 AM Homegoing Celebration in the Chapel of Progressive Funeral Home, Inc. officiated by Rev. F.R. Smith. Service will be live-streamed. (See clickable link below)
Visitation is 2:00 till 5:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences and guest book signing may be made at progressivefuneralhome.com.
The Progressive Staff is privileged to serve the Fortson Family.
Send flowers to the service of Charlie Lawrence Fortson
Michelle T Washington sent The Peace Lily for Charlie Lawrence Fortson - August 15, 2024
May God continue to be your comfort during your time of bereavement. Mr. Fortson was amazing and I loved him dearly. Love Michelle T. Washington, Joyce Ladson &family
Dorothy Fortson sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Charlie Lawrence Fortson - August 14, 2024
From your son Nick, Tamala, Dorothy, Shaunn, Logan and Hunter with love
Renita Mathis sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Charlie Lawrence Fortson - August 08, 2024
Words cannot express the amount of sorry I have for your family at your time of loss. I am lifting the Fortson family up in prayer. Renita Mathis
Jaron Jordan planted 5 trees in memory of Charlie Lawrence Fortson . - August 15, 2024
My prayers 🙏🏽and condolences💐to Mrs. Dorthy Fortson and all the family. Continue to trust God and cherish all those blessed memories of Mr. Chuck Fortson Ms.Jannie L. Harris
The Edmonds Family is sending our deeds words of comfort to you'll with love and prayers that God continue to be with you'll.
Our deepest sympathies for our family during our loss. Chuck will surely be missed. Rest in peace, cousin. Ernest and Shirley Burson
"My wife Annie and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Dorothy, his family, and pray for them during this challenging time. Everyone that knew him well will feel the weight of his loss in the days to come. Please know, the Fruits of his Labor will carry him on. May he Rest in Peace."
Julious Parker, CW3(USA Ret) Albany, GA
I had the privilege of being a friend to Chuck and his wife for 43 years. Throughout all those years, he and his family stood by me and mine, offering their unwavering support. When I first moved to Columbus, GA in my 20s, Chuck was not just a good friend but also a wonderful neighbor. His kindness and generosity touched so many lives. The neighborhood will never be the same without him—he was the heart of our community, always bringing families together. He will be truly missed.
Jacqueline Jones and Family
To the Fortson Family. My words of Encouragement. I know as of now that you feel sadness and grief. But within time you will feel happiness when you think about your loved one. I pray that that time will soon come. 🙏 From: Shirley Ficklin
This was one of the coolest neighbors gonna miss him my condolences from the Brent's family
My condolences to the family. Chuck has been an excellent neighbor and family friend for decades, and we are sad to hear of his passing. He will be remembered for his many acts of kindness and friendship to the Thomas family.
Gloria and Gaston Thomas
Our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss of a loved one. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May God's love, strength, and peace sustain you during this time and in the days ahead. Love, Herman & Regina Mitchell
So Sorry to hear about the passing of your love one praying for your family Arthur Beasley