John R. Fortson Sr.

John R. Fortson, Sr., 89, of Apple River, IL, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena, IL. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Galena Bible Church, where friends may gather starting at 10 AM until the time of service. The burial will take place at a later date. Military honors will be presented following the service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. He was born on November 10, 1935, in Elberton, GA, to Dallas and Annie Ruth (Thornton) Fortson. John attended Young Harris College in Georgia for two years from 1957 to 1959, where he met his wife. He earned his business degree with honors from the University of Georgia (UGA) in 1961. John married Sue Elizabeth Raley on August 27, 1961, in Georgia, and later moved to Carrollton, TX. They had two sons, Rick and Mark, before relocating to Illinois in 1970. John enjoyed golfing, football (especially the Georgia Bulldogs), and gardening. He had a passion for flying (he was a licensed pilot), the Civil War, and was an animal lover, particularly of dogs. He also loved feeding the birds, spending time with his grandchildren, exploring family heritage, collecting antiques, and working on puzzles. He served as CFO for Glidden Paint SCM for 30 years before retiring at age 55. He was a member of the Apple Canyon Lake Homeowners Association Board, the Spat Club at Young Harris College, and the Supreme Court at Young Harris College. John is survived by his wife, Sue Elizabeth Raley Fortson; his son, John Richard “Rick” (Susan) Fortson Jr.; four grandchildren: Drew Richard (Jill) Fortson, Kathleen Susan Thornton Fortson (Matt) Jagodzinski, Maggie Marie Fortson (Harrison) Gibbons, and Lauren Elizabeth Fortson; and six great-grandchildren: Nona Rose Fortson, Nour James Fortson, John Ryder Jagodzinski, Jack Henry Jagodzinski, Grace Ann Jagodzinski, and Elias Keller Gibbons. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Joel (Diane) Raley; two nephews, Terrell Raley and Russ (Kristin) Fortson; and two nieces, Gloria Fortson (Kerry) Monk and Becky Fortson Baker. John was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Mark Raley Fortson, and a brother, Eugene V. Fortson. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Midwest Medical for their love and support during this difficult time. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the home caretakers who have cared for him over the years, the caregivers at Galena Nursing Home, Pastor Gary Kirst, the Galena Bible Church, his wife Linda Kirst, and the church members for their prayers and love extended to our family, and Furlong Funeral Home for their comfort and care.