Mr. William J. "Willie" Fortner, age 72 of Jasper, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday October 1, 2024. Born August 11, 1952 in McCaysville, GA to Reverend Johnny and Mrs. Betty Fortner, he is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Charlotte Fortner, brothers Garry and Tim Fortner, sisters Gail Cox, Tammy Fortner and Amberly Jackson, son and daughter-in-law Eric and Annie Laurie Fortner of Canton, son and daughter-in-law Travis and Dana Stone of Jasper, daughter and son-in-law Tonia and Shane Page of Jasper and son Jeremiah Stone of Jasper. 17 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and a granddaughter, Cheyenne Hass.

Willie loved God, his family and his country. He served his country in United States Army during the Vietnam War. He spent his military career in Giessen, Germany. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting the mountains of north Georgia and fishing the beautiful lakes of the southeast. He could usually be found on the front of a bass boat, on a sports field coaching, hunting Ginseng or working on his property. He was a youth football, baseball, basketball and softball coach for 40+ years. Willie worked for Pepsi, GA Natural Gas and was a building inspector later in life. He was a dedicated son, father, grandfather, brother and husband. Willie was a mentor to his children and grandchildren and a friend to all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at Cagle Funeral Home on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from five o'clock in the afternoon until nine and again on Friday, October 4, 2024 from nine o'clock in the morning until nine in the evening.  The family will also receive friends on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from nine in the morning until the service hour.

A funeral service honoring the life of Willie will be conducted in the chapel of Cagle Funeral Home on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at two o'clock in the afternoon with Preacher Jon Page and Brother Steven Chapman officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow the service at Sunrise Memorial Gardens, Jasper.

Cagle Funeral Home and Sunrise Memorial Gardens are please to serve this family in the most difficult of times.