Roger Lee Fortner's Obituary
Roger Lee Fortner, 84, of Huntersville, NC moved to his heavenly home July 5, 2024.
Roger was born in Wyoming County, WV on June 26, 1940 to the late Onnie L. Fortner and Lillian Ellis Fortner. After graduation, Roger served three years in the US Army, serving two years in Germany. He graduated from Marshall University in 1964 and earned an MBA from West Virginia University in 1974. Roger spent nearly 40 years in international exporting helping U.S. businesses export their goods oversees, primarily with the U.S. Department of Commerce. He retired in 2003 as Director of Charlotte Export Assistance Center which served five states. He was greatly respected for his work and received two Excellence in Export Service Awards, a Silver Medal Award and a Vice President’s Hammer Award.
Roger was a member of Lake Norman Baptist Church where he served as teacher, administrator and usher. He was involved in the Jaycees and was passionate about youth sports and is remembered as a favorite coach by many of his former players.
Roger was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Judith Watkeys Fortner, son, Michael (Mary) Fortner, daughter, Shay (Rob) Heckard and granddaughters, Grace (Alex) Goins and Emily Heckard. He also leaves behind a brother, James Short and sisters, Hope Fortner and Marlo Fortner.
In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by sisters Geneva “Sally” Mitchell, Penelope Dillon, brother Malcolm Fortner and his beloved Aunt Minnie and Uncle Wayne Bailey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Norman Baptist Church on July 12, 2024 at 12:00pm, with visitation an hour before the service. A reception will be held following the service. He will be interred at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Huntington, WV at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or at https://curealz.org/outreach/in-memory/roger-lee-fortner/. Cure Alzheimer's Fund is a non-profit dedicated to funding research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s disease and over 90% of their revenue goes directly to fund research programs. Contributions may also be made to Lake Norman Baptist Church.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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