Gilbert Fortson, Jr.

U.S. Army 173rd Airborne Brigade Veteran, Gilbert Fortson, Jr. age 72, of Elberton, Georgia, entered his eternal rest on Monday, December 12, 2022.

Deacon Gilbert Fortson, Jr. was born on February 26, 1950, to the late Gilbert Fortson, Sr., and Margaret Jones Fortson in Elbert County GA. Gilbert married Helen Genette Willis on December 24, 1970, and to this union two children were born.

Gilbert Fortson, Jr. attended Blackwell Memorial High School. After high school he joined the Atterbury Job Corps where he graduated with a diploma in Building Management Residential. He later joined the US Army, serving in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He received many honors such as a Certificate of Honor from the state of Georgia for his service during the Vietnam War 1967-68. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Champaign Medal 2 OS Bars, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, a Letter of Commendation for courage, and patriotism of Sky Solider, a letter of commendation for his division’s outstanding performance during operations MacArthur, Cochise Green, Walker, Boiling and McLain. He was a member of the American Legion Post #14 where he served as Post Commander for a time. He also served in the Army National Guard where he attained a level of E5.

He joined the Antioch Baptist Church in Elberton, GA at an early age where he sang in the choir and was ordained a deacon on September 25, 1983. He also served as the chairman of the Deacon Board.

He later moved his membership to Thankful Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, was Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School and served on the Deacon Board.

Deacon Gilbert’s favorite hymn was “HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND”. Gilbert’s past time hobbies were grilling, fishing and hunting.

Deacon Gilbert Fortson, Jr., also known as Gilbert Sharp and Gilmo, entered his eternal rest on December 12, 2022, at Elbert Memorial Hospital.

Deacon Gilbert Fortson, Jr. is survived by his wife of 52 years Helen Genette Willis Fortson, two sons, Gilbert Fortson, III (Lequonzo) and Gabriel Bernard Fortson. One daughter Amari La’Quasia Fortson. Nine grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. One brother, Ralph Fortson (Lucille). Three sisters, Willie Mae Davenport-Mitchell (Ronnie), Shirley Ann Thornton (George Lee) and Louise Walton (Frederick). One sister in-law Jacklyn (Captain Jack) Bradford (Eddie), two brother in-laws, Terry Willis (Nancy) and Horice Willis, Jr. (Marlene). And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 12:00 noon till 5:00 pm, at Mack’s Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 320 College Ave. Elberton, Georgia.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022, located at Thankful Baptist Church 1054 Thankful Church Road Tignall, Georgia 30668 in Lincoln County.

Mack’s Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elberton Chapel www.macksfuneralhome.com.  (706) 283-4566.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert Fortson, Jr., please visit our floral store.