John Henry Fortner Jr., (Buddy), 84, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January 22, 2022. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late John Henry Fortner Sr. and Nell Cochran Fortner. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandson, Eric Fortner, and his siblings, Jimmy Fortner, Earl Fortner, and George Lee Fortner.
He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran having served in the Airborne Division. He owned and operated a construction company in Bryson City for many years.
Buddy is survived by his children, Sheela Sue Fortner (Roxie), Rick E. Fortner (Lovie), Kim F. Trantham (Max), and Mark Thurman Fortner (Diane); several grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and his sisters and brothers, Sue Faye Ball (Robert), Jan Pyles, Henry Fortner (Reba), and Wayne Fortner.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Dewayne Kirkland will officiate with burial in the East Alarka Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Saturday at the Funeral Home.