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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Thomas M Fortson
Thomas M
Fortson
Apr 14, 1929 — Nov 12, 2015
Thomas M Fortson's Obituary
Thomas "Tom" M. Fortson, 86, of Fellsmere, FL.
Beloved Patriarch of the Fortson family passed away November 12, 2015, surrounded by his entire family. It is with heavy hearts that our family strive to find a new normal without him. Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Fay Fortson, son, Charles Fortson (Kitty), daughter Laura Fortson Bowen (Bub), grandson Charles Fortson Jr., and granddaughter Shannon Bowen. Tom was like no other and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Tom was born on April 14, 1929 in Felda, Florida, to Eugene and Anna Fortson. He was the youngest of nine siblings. He graduated from Felda High School in 1946. He was an Army paratrooper serving 4 years before leaving the Army and enrolling in the University of Florida under the G.I. Bill. He graduated with a degree in agriculture and became an esteemed rancher in Brevard and Indian River County. Many of his friends say Tom's "A" in English at the University of Florida may have been the only "A" ever to have been given out by the English Department at the University of Florida.
After graduating from the University of Florida, Tom became the manager of Sottile Groves located in South Brevard County. Later he became a general manager at the Fellsmere Farms, a 57,000 acre cattle ranch in Fellsmere, which grew to include citrus and vegetables. Tom helped develop the cattle industry in the Dominican Republic. While he was working in the Dominican Republic, his company was the largest sugar producer in the world.
In retirement, Tom had large cattle ranches in North Indian River and South Brevard. He enjoyed wild hog hunting and deer hunting with his friends. Tom had a rule that all wild hogs were to be caught by hand, and never to be shot. Tom was both an intellectual and a philosopher, with a keen understanding of government and foreign policy. Through Tom's effort, the Fellsmere Rodeo was established. Tom was respected and admired by all those who had the pleasure of meeting him, and he will be dearly missed.
Privacy is appreciated while our family suffers this great loss.
An online guest book may be signed at www.seawindsfh.com
Beloved Patriarch of the Fortson family passed away November 12, 2015, surrounded by his entire family. It is with heavy hearts that our family strive to find a new normal without him. Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Fay Fortson, son, Charles Fortson (Kitty), daughter Laura Fortson Bowen (Bub), grandson Charles Fortson Jr., and granddaughter Shannon Bowen. Tom was like no other and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Tom was born on April 14, 1929 in Felda, Florida, to Eugene and Anna Fortson. He was the youngest of nine siblings. He graduated from Felda High School in 1946. He was an Army paratrooper serving 4 years before leaving the Army and enrolling in the University of Florida under the G.I. Bill. He graduated with a degree in agriculture and became an esteemed rancher in Brevard and Indian River County. Many of his friends say Tom's "A" in English at the University of Florida may have been the only "A" ever to have been given out by the English Department at the University of Florida.
After graduating from the University of Florida, Tom became the manager of Sottile Groves located in South Brevard County. Later he became a general manager at the Fellsmere Farms, a 57,000 acre cattle ranch in Fellsmere, which grew to include citrus and vegetables. Tom helped develop the cattle industry in the Dominican Republic. While he was working in the Dominican Republic, his company was the largest sugar producer in the world.
In retirement, Tom had large cattle ranches in North Indian River and South Brevard. He enjoyed wild hog hunting and deer hunting with his friends. Tom had a rule that all wild hogs were to be caught by hand, and never to be shot. Tom was both an intellectual and a philosopher, with a keen understanding of government and foreign policy. Through Tom's effort, the Fellsmere Rodeo was established. Tom was respected and admired by all those who had the pleasure of meeting him, and he will be dearly missed.
Privacy is appreciated while our family suffers this great loss.
An online guest book may be signed at www.seawindsfh.com
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
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