Halton Fortson, Jr.
04/13/1928 - 02/03/2023
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, February 11, 2023 in the C.T. Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Robinson, officiating. Burial to follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Columbus, GA. Visitation is Friday, February 10, 2023 from 12-5 p.m. EST.
Halton Fortson, Jr.was born, the eldest of three, on April 13, 1928 in Hatchechubbee, Alabama to the late Halton Fortson, Sr. and the late Lois Fortson.
His rearing was consistent with the values instilled upon his community through the Howard Chapel A.M.E. Church. These values demonstrated a dedication to your people, working hard for your family and cooperative economics.
Upon approaching his pre-teen years, Halton began working with his father at a saw mill, as well as assisting with smaller tasks at other odd jobs. He learned through observation and his early experience that hard work was key to advancement in the community, as well as life.
In 1950, Halton Fortson Jr. left Hatchechubbee, Alabama in search of work to help his parents. His travels took him to Rochester, NY. There, he worked several jobs and always sent a share of his earnings home.
In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was then sent to Fort Belvoir, in Belvoir, Virginia for a grueling 16 weeks of basic training. His last stop stateside was Fort Lawton in Seattle Washington. It was there that he boarded the Type C4 troop ship, The USS Marine Adder. He along with 3,674 other troops endured 16 days of turbulent waters and Army rations only to be deposited on the Far Eastern Shores of Yokohama Japan.
It was there that he was then transported into Seoul, the capital of Korea, near the 38th parallel north. Initially, a combat engineer - Private E-1, He was later promoted to Sergeant as a Platoon Leader and awarded a marksman medal for his skills with the rifle.
In 1953 he began rotations back to the United States. He again boarded the USS Marine Adder for the arduous sea travel. This time eventually landing at Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California, then on to Camp Breckinridge, a little east of Morgan Kentucky. There he was honorably and nobly discharged.
Halton Fortson (or “junior“ as he is called by close family). then returned home to Alabama but only for a short stay. He traveled to Rochester, New York, then traveled 601 miles west to Chicago, Illinois.
It was there that he met and married the love of his entire life, Ms. Lula Mae Watson and began their family. The two have been inseparable for 58 years.
In Chicago, Halton secured a career as an electrician at the United States Post Office. There he was a stalwart employee for almost 30 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved back to the region of his birth and made a home in Columbus, Georgia. Here in Columbus, Halton has worked as a driver for Bill Heard, delivered medical supplies, and drove patrons through the Festival of Lights at Calloway Gardens.
Preceding Junior in death are his parents, Halton Fortson,Sr. and Lois Fortson, as well as his beloved two sisters, Clara Davis and Mildred Fortson.
His sudden illness and passing has caused moments of great reflection for many of his loved ones. Chiefly, his wife, widow and life partner, Lula Mae Fortson. Also reflecting on the loss of their "rock and right hand" are his daughter, Debbie Faye King; son, Andre Fortson; four grandchildren, Yolanda Watson, Travis King, Brandon King and Marvin King, also missing Halton Fortson, Jr. are his 12 great grandchildren, four nieces, 6 nephews and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.