Robert Otto Fortenbery Jr., 91, of Seminole, FL, passed away peacefully on the 19th of November 2020 at Suncoast Hospice. His loving wife and daughter were by his side.
He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, the son of the late Robert and Ruth Fortenbery. Bob graduated from Harry P Harding High School in 1947. He then served in the US Navy for ten years from 1947-1957. After leaving the Navy and moving to Florida, Bob begun a 27-year career at ECI – E Systems where he was president of UAW Local 298, retiring as a supervisor in 1984.
Bob supported his community with donations to the local blood bank, and was a member of the 13 Gallon Club. Bob’s hobbies included baseball, camping, bowling, and weekly card games. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, keeping a four-generation Sunday football game tradition alive. As an avid joke teller, he kept friends and family entertained for hours. Bob and his wife loved to travel, visiting many foreign countries and most of the United States and Canada, belonging to the self-proclaimed Traveler’s Eight.
Bob is preceded in death by his son Neil and his sister Pat Duncan. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children, Steve, Kathy (Richard), Debbie, Ron, and daughter-in-law Mary; his grandchildren Michael (Rachael), Rebecca, Nicholas, Caitlin, Nicholas (Liz), Danielle, Chris, Nick, Alexandria, Nicole, and James; his great grandchildren Jayden, Noah, Averie, Hazel, Harrison, McKenzie, and Madison; his niece Valerie (Chuck) and great-nephews Max and Michael.
A funeral ceremony with military honors will be held at Bay Pines National Ceremony, 1000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL, at a later date.
Bob’s love will live in the hearts of all who knew him and will be missed. Charlene and family, I feel your loss and extend my deepest sorrow. My heartfelt love goes to you and your family. I will always keep you in my heart and prayers. I cherish our friendship and travels.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlene and her family. Charlie and bob were very special friends to Alf and me We had many wonderful times together. God bless you all. Jane and Alf in heaven.
Dear Dad,
It saddens me that I, your biological daughter, was not allowed to be by your side when you passed away and did not have the chance to say goodbye. I love you and will miss you.
Your daughter,
Debbie
I worked with Bob at E systems and he was a fun guy to be around – treated people with respect and a delight to work with. I will always have fond memories of Bob and am sad of his passing. Our love goes out to his family till we meet again in Heaven. Joe and Shirley Kane