Michael L. Fortenberry

Visitation will be held 1:00-2:00pm, Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Skyway Hills Baptist Church in Pearl. Memorial services will follow at 2:00pm. Rev. Roger Taylor will officiate.

A truly gifted and talented musician, Mike's love for music guided his life. He excelled early as a trumpet player, first in high school and later in college. Mike received numerous awards and trophies at Northeast Louisiana University including, Outstanding Music Major in 1986 and 1987, Outstanding Boy Musician in 1984, 1985 and 1986, and Outstanding Boy Marcher in 1987. He was also awarded Most Valuable Player in 1982 by the Memphis Blues Drum and Bugle Corps. Mike assisted for many years with school summer band camps, often declining touring opportunities to work with the students. After playing for his idol, Maynard Ferguson, he was honored to be asked by Mr. Ferguson to tour with his band.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Martin Fortenberry, Sr. and Myrna Payne Fortenberry.

He is survived by his brother, Joseph Martin "Marty" Fortenberry, Jr.; grandmother, Elsie Crain; aunts, Lavene Stogner, Faye Kitchens and Jewel Boone; uncle, Larry Payne; and many other relatives and friends.