Tony Fortner

Dwight Anthony “Tony” Fortner, 62, of Columbia, SC, died Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC.



He was born March 23, 1955 in Grundy, VA to the late Everett, Sr. and Ida (Mays) Fortner. Tony graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1973 and then spent a couple of years working at Ryder Heil Bronze before enlisting with the US Air Force in 1976. He proudly served his country until an automobile accident occurred, leaving him disabled and he was honorably discharged in 1980. Following his time in the Air Force, Tony was proud to have received his Associates Degree. Tony enjoyed years of antiquing and restoration.



Tony had a knack of making friends and people were genuinely attracted to him. He often simply struck up conversation with random folks which led to long term friendships.



Tony is survived by a son, Justin (Amanda Hennessy) Fortner of Indianapolis, Indiana; 2 grandchildren, Nikolas “Niko” and Eirelyn; five siblings, Darryl (Nell Grey) Fortner, Everett “Sonny” (Naomi) Fortner, Randy (Diane) Fortner, Sueann Perdue and Twyla Fannin; nieces and nephews, Kathy Sue (John) Keane, Shan (Larry) Agin, Lance (Renee) Fortner, Trey (Sarah) Fortner, Veronica Simms, Tina Aungst, Norrie Fortner, Michelle (Randy) Owings, Chad Fortner, Kathy Swerlein, Nicole (Rhett) Huber, Ryan Fortner, Gina (Moses) McCleese, Spencer (Amanda) Perdue, Donnel (Brian) Weaver, Trent (Hillary) Fannin, Ty (Lisa) Fannin and Tad (Haley) Fannin.



In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by a brother, Philip Douglas Fortner and a brother-in-law, Wayne Perdue.



His family will receive friends from 5 – 8 pm Thursday, November 2 at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Friday with Ryan Fortner officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery where Military Rites will be provided by the Air Force and American Legion Honor Guards.



Memorial donations may be made payable to Dorn VA Volunteer Services and will be used for their Warrior Walk Hospice Unit in South Carolina or to the American Legion Post 181. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home.