Franklin Elmer Fortner's Obituary
Franklin Elmer Fortner, 79, Tullahoma, Tennessee formerly of Central Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 24, 2026 at NHC Healthcare in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Franklin was born on September 12, 1946 in Hudson, Florida to his parents Vernon Clyde Fortner and Helen Verna (Bareford) Fortner.
Franklin was a retired Supervisor of Stores from Florida Power / Duke Energy with over 30 years of devoted service. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lecanto, Florida where he served as a Deacon. Franklin was a proud veteran who served in the United States Navy.
He is survived by his son: Franklin Fortner, Jr of Tampa, FL; a daughter: Daphne Wilson and her husband Jason of Portland, OR; three step-daughters: Brittany Forrester and her husband Stephen, Shirley Garner and her husband Ray and Missey Sayre and her husband Kevin; three sisters: Delores Sanchez and her husband James of Hudson, FL, Mary Doctor of Hudson, FL and Lettie Bratcher and her husband Paul of Hudson, FL; grandson: Gabriel Wilson and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kevin, Priscilla, Justin, Stella, Evelyn, Travis, Charlee, Carolina, Johnnie, Kaitlyn, Aubree, Matilyn, Kynslie, Savannah Geromel, Fallyn and Effie.
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, his first beloved wife Joyce Fortner and his second beloved wife Olean Fortner, a brother, Buddy Fortner, and his beloved grandchild, Trinity Wilson.
There will be a gathering of family and friends Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by a celebration of life funeral service beginning 10:30 am at Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Chapel 410 Webster St. Wildwood, FL 34785. Pastor Gary Bailey will be Officiating. Immediately following will be a graveside service with Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org in Franklin’s loving memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
To Access Livestream please click on Link:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/franklin-elmer-fortner-funeral-service
What’s your fondest memory of Franklin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Franklin?
Share a story where Franklin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Franklin you’ll never forget.
How did Franklin make you smile?
