George Michael Fortenberry

George Michael Fortenberry, 68, of Merigold, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Visitation will be 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, at Ray Funeral Home. Memorial Services will immediately follow beginning at 2:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2015, at Ray Funeral Home. This accomplished local businessman, loving husband, father and brother was born in Nevada, 1946. George came into this world when his mother, Mozelle Fortenberry, traveled to visit her husband, Leroy Fortenberry, after WWII, stationed in Nevada. She took a train from Mississippi to Nevada, with no air conditioning, pregnant and traveling with George's two older siblings.
He learned the family business at age 12, Cleveland Auto Parts, established 1958, which would lead to many more successes through the years. He met the first love of his life, Jerry Ferrell, while attending Delta State at age 19 on a blind date. They were married happily for 40 years. His success in adulthood led to what he started at age 12 when he bought Cleveland Auto Parts in 1984. He was a character and respected by all that knew him. After Jerry Ferrell passed later in life, he was lucky enough to meet Margie T. Collins, the second love of his life. Mr. Fortenberry was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Mozelle Fortenberry; wife, Jerry Fortenberry; and brother, John Fortenberry. He is survived by his son, M. Shane Fortenberry; and siblings, David Fortenberry (Hilda Carr), Sara Fortenberry (Robert Benson), and Judy Henderson; host of nieces and nephews; and his black lab, Maggie Fortenberry.

Visitation

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Monday, August 17, 2015
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Memorial Service

2:30 pm Monday, August 17, 2015
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States