Bob D. Fort

Bob D. Fort, 82, formerly of Florence, passed away Aug.4, 2014, in Chandler, AZ after an extended illness. He was a long time member of Central Heights United Methodist Church and a current member of Chandler United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War. He retired, after 40 years in retail furniture management. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler, AZ. Officiating will be Pastor Jonathan Arnpriester. Military funeral honors will be accorded.

Mr. Fort was preceded in death by his father, Harris Fort and his mother, Dorothy Ryan Fort Gresh.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth Stephens Fort, of Chandler, AZ. Sons; Greg Fort (Lyn) of Hernando , MS, and Barry Fort (Bitsie) of Chandler, AZ. Granddaughter, Ashley Fort Downs (Shane) of Castalian Springs, TN. Grandsons, Tyler Fort (Brandi) of Las Vegas, NV, Zachary Fort of Scottsdale, AZ, Jacob Fort of Chandler, AZ and Canon Fort of Hernando, MS. One great-grandson, Nash Downs of Castalian Springs, TN.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.

~ Our Pawpaw ~

The dust on the tackle box continues to grow,

with the rust on your old fishing pole that once used to glow.

The garden you perfected on those Alabama lands,

is nothing but a memory of your strong, steady hands.

Like the fish you caught, and the garden you grew,

your family sits today: ever anchored by you.

You gave us your name. Your example. Your life.

And you've left us your sacred treasures: your sons and your wife.

Together we rejoice in the Truth we hold dear,

that you're dancing with Jesus...No pain and no fear.

That old pontoon floating over catfish abound,

surely can't compare to the riches you've found.

Out on your new boat, how great it must be,

the most perfect water... a crystal clear sea.

Your captain... Who else? He finished just like you.

He might even teach you a new trick... or two.

So loyal, so strong, and a fighter for years,

We'll cherish your memory through laughter and tears.

Death has no victory... That battle He won.

Just be there to welcome us with a "Hey Boy-son!"