Douglas Phillip Fortenberry made his entrance into the world on November 24, 1952 in Houston, Texas. He was the youngest of three boys born to Bill Fortenberry and Fannie Wead Fortenberry. As a young boy, Doug's dad taught him to hunt and fish, and he remained an avid sportsman for the rest of his life. He fished all over North America, and his two favorite fishing spots were Sabine Lake in Port Arthur, and Sioux Falls in Canada. Doug moved to Dallas when he was twelve and graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1971. He made many life-long friends during his Lake Highland years. Doug attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he met his wife of forty-two years, Monica. They traveled all over the world together and usually managed to work in a fishing trip on almost every vacation beginning with their honeymoon. Doug graduated with a Bachelor's of Business Degree in 1975. Doug was a successful businessman who founded Fortenberry Pipe and Supply in 1982. The company prospered and expanded under his guidance. His daughter, Laurie, will continue to run the company and carry on her dad's legacy.
The Fortenberry family moved to Mabank in 1984 because Doug wanted to raise his family in a small town. Daughters, Laurie and Lisa, attended school in Mabank from kindergarten through high school graduation. Doug loved his girls and was involved in all of their school and sports activities. He coached their Mabank Youth Basketball teams and served on the board of Mabank Youth Basketball. He was a basketball referee and went on church youth trips as a sponsor.
Doug's grandsons brought great joy to his life. He enjoyed sharing his passion for hunting and fishing with them. Samuel shot his first deer recently in a blind with Granddad at the family farm in Roxton, Texas using his gun that Granddad bought him. Alex accompanied Granddad on fishing trips to Sabine Lake and the farm and hunted at the farm with Granddad also. Stephen also joined Granddad on fishing excursions to Sabine Lake and the farm. Granddad recently purchased Daniel his first rod and reel on a family outing to Bass Pro Shop.
Another source of joy in Doug's life was serving his church. Over the years he served as Sunday School teacher, usher, member of the Finance Committee, and auctioneer at church fundraisers.
Doug believed in supporting the community and especially it's youth. He donated money to sponsor kids for church camp, to the Mabank Sports Department, and to local Ag programs.
Doug will be remembered as fun-loving, entertaining, and generous. He also had a great sense of humor and was known as a prankster. Doug had a memorable personality and was loved by many and will be greatly missed. He made a lasting impact on the lives of so many, and our lives are richer for having known him.
Doug peacefully entered into his Heavenly home on his 66th birthday, November 24, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Monica; daughter, Laurie Garrett and her husband , Wade, of Wills Point; and daughter Lisa Fortenberry of Baton Rouge, LA. He is also survived by his grandsons, Samuel, Stephen, and Daniel Garrett of Wills Point, his grandson Alexander Owens of Baton Rouge, LA. and his brother Richard Fortenberry of San Antonio.
