Billie Joe Fortson, Sr.

Billie Joe Fortson, 84, of Greensboro, NC passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Beacon Place Hospice in Greensboro, NC. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 1:00 P M to 3:00 P M at Tate Baptist Church in Corinth, MS followed by a 3:00 P M service at the church. Mr. Fortson was born September 20, 1931 in Blount County Alabama. He was retired from Blue Bell, Inc. (VF Corporation) after 51 years of service. He was an active member of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC for many years. Survivors include three children: Vicki Shirley (Dennis) of Corinth, MS, B. J. Fortson (Rita) of High Point, NC and Susan Hughes (Steve) of Tupelo, MS; seven grandchildren, Brian Shirley (Julie), Lisa Wilbourn (Stoney), Rachel Oakes (Tim), Charles Brown (Candace), Jeremy Hughes (Amy), Misty Spinks (Ben), and Crystal Kuhar; sixteen great-grandchildren and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by Jean Fortson, his wife of 60 years; and his parents Thelma McCay and S. T. Fortson; his grandson, Steven Fortson; and a great-grandson, Jackson Shirley. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, 4800 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410 or Beacon Place Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 Magnolia Funeral Home in Corinth, MS is in charge of arrangements.