Stanley Oscar Fort

Stanley’s young life at 2 years of age was marked by an accident with a sugar cane mill. With medical care scarce in the Low Country, he traveled by horse and wagon to Jamestown then to Andrews, SC by a railroad hand car to receive treatment from the closest country doctor. The injury ultimately left him with one arm amputated just below the elbow. Of course, anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path knows that never slowed him down and only added to his passion and determination to live “a mighty fine life.”

He became an expert stick welder at the Charleston Naval Shipyard during WWII where he met his wife and expert butterbean sheller, Reba Alice Lindler of Dutch Fork, SC. They relocated to Dutch Fork to raise their 3 children together, Bobby C. Fort (Patricia), Marilyn F. Derrick (Gary) and Lynne F. Amick (Derriel). Stanley’s skill as a welder guided him in travel all over the United States working on various power plants and construction projects. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to dabble in many ventures from building sailboats with his son, to Fort's Azalea Farm where his family provided 99% of the labor. The kids and grandkids laugh about how he was known to spout off directions and then disappear as they began planting. He later opened a roadside produce market and even tried his hand at raising chickens and selling eggs. His wife, Reba, was always perplexed by his next hair-brained idea.

He was an avid outdoorsman who was seldom seen without his favorite pair of overalls and straw hat. His happiest days were spent casting his line in the pond, riding his tractor or hunting deer. Stanley was known to spin a great yarn to anyone with a minute to listen. His favorite topics included stories of his many adventures which would often be laced with a little advice, politics and tales of his childhood.

Stanley was a member of the UA Local Plumbers and Pipefitters 227, Boyleston Lodge No. 123, A.F.M, Columbia York Rite Bodies, Columbia Commandery No. 2 Knights Templar, and The Omar Shriners, Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Stanley never met a stranger and was always willing to help someone in need. He endeared the hearts of his loving family and many friends. He will be forever treasured and missed; however, his vivacious spirit will remain in the hearts of his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Bobby and wife, Reba.

A graveside service to celebrate Stanley’s extraordinary life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Bush River Memorial Gardens, Columbia, SC. The family will welcome friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a charity of your choice, or simply show kindness to a stranger as he would have.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Fort family.