Edwin Fortenberry

Funeral services for Mr. Edwin F. Fortenberry of Terry, MS, will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, February 5, 2024, at Parkway Pentecostal Church in Madison with the Rev. Mike Zeigler officiating; assisted by Bishop Jerry W. Dillon, Rev. Darrell Bates and Rev. Hansel Stanley. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, officiated by Pastor Jason Dillon.    Mr. Fortenberry, age 65, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord late Wednesday night, January 31, 2024, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.  Saulters Moore Funeral Home, Hughes Funeral Service, LLC has been entrusted with arrangements. 

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Parkway Pentecostal Church.  Friends may also call 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

Edwin will be carried to his final rest by those serving as pallbearers; they include Matt Fortenberry, Thomas Fortenberry, Michael Fortenberry, Kyle Keith, Mike Evans, Danny Harrison, Junior Sistrunk and Hansel Stanley.

Edwin Franklin Fortenberry was born on October 26, 1958, in Jackson to Eugene F. (Pete) and Margaret Moore Fortenberry.  He also grew up in Jackson and attended Wingfield High School.  Right after completing high school, Edwin joined RANCO Transmission in Pearl. It was at RANCO Transmission that he honed his skills and became a master of his craft. Building a reputation as an expert transmission mechanic, Edwin's work quickly became highly sought after. After some time working at RANCO Transmission, he ventured out on his own and ran his own transmission business for many years.  Edwin's dedication to his family was unparalleled. He was the epitome of a wonderful and caring father who adored his children. In 1988, upon the birth of his eldest son Matthew, Edwin realized the importance of being a godly example for his family. He repented, purposed in his heart to serve the Lord, and was filled with the Holy Ghost. This decision shaped not only Edwin's personal life but also had a profound impact on those around him.  Beyond his commitment to his family and work, Edwin had a deep passion for muscle cars and motorcycles. Among his prized possessions were a 1970 Cutlass Olds 442 and a 1971 Cutlass Convertible Drag Race Car. As an avid car enthusiast, Edwin and his wife loved attending the annual "Cruising The Coast" event together. This special event showcased a wide variety of automobiles that fueled Edwin's love for all things automotive.  He was a lifelong member of First Pentecostal Church, Jackson, where his gentle nature made him a perfect fit for helping in the Toddler Sunday School Class.  For the past three years, he has attended Parkway Pentecostal Church in Madison.  Edwin is a shining example that Godly men of integrity still exist in our world.

Edwin was preceded in death by his father, Pete Fortenberry in 2009.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife Bonita Fortenberry; daughter, Lauren E. Fortenberry; sons, Matt F. Fortenberry (Victoria), Thomas H. Fortenberry (Destiny), Michael E. Fortenberry; his beloved mother, Margaret Fortenberry; his sister Deborah Cook (Donnie) and his brother, Phillip Fortenberry (DaRhonda).  He also leaves his granddaughter, whom he adored, Anna Leigh Fortenberry and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.