James Ralph Fortune

James Ralph Fortune, 81, of Evington, died Monday, February 22, 2010 at his residence. He was the husband of Laura Catherine Dawson Fortune.

Born April 16, 1928 in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Thomas Ryan "Bus" and Maggie Pearson Fortune and was also preceded in death by three brothers, Harry Thomas Fortune, Carl Ryan Fortune, and John Hammond "Jack" Fortune; one sister, Dorothy Alice Fortune and a great-grandson, Matthew Austin East. A World War II veteran, he retired from the U.S. Navy after twenty-three years of service and also retired from Allen Morrison Sign Co. after eleven years of service. Mr. Fortune was a member of Mentow Baptist Church in Huddleston.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Catherine Elaine Fortune Moody (James), and Gloria Jean Fortune- Even (Paul); two sons, Thomas Harper Fortune (Cindy), and Joseph Ryan Fortune (Jenny); grandchildren, Tia Moody Copes (Greg), Brian Moody, Sandi Moody East (Justin), Josh Even (Micah), Rebecca Even Rich (Matt), Amy Ieronimo Bradish, T.J. Fortune, Alex Fortune, Beth Fortune Broadhurst, Katie Fortune Rowland, Jonathan Fortune, and Hannah Fortune; great-grandchildren, Connor and Emily Copes, Ethan Moody, Kamerin and Jordan East, Annabelle McAdams-Even, Harley and Dublin Rich, Jeremy, Seth, and Evan Bradish, Gabriel Volz, and MacKayla Rowland and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Whitten Park Avenue Chapel with the Rev. Bill Evans and the Rev. Lewis Dawson officiating. Interment with military honors by American Legion Post 16 will follow at the Union Chapel Community Church Cemetery in Lynch Station.

The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2010, at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Altavista Life Saving Crew, Centra Health Hospice of the Hills, or Mentow Baptist Church.

To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Park Avenue Chapel, is serving the family.