James Edwin “Ed” Fortner, age 73, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Originally from Bristol, Ed moved to Morristown in 1976 taking a job with Pioneer Plastics, where he was in upper management for twenty years. In 1996, Ed saw the need for a quality mowing, landscaping, and cleaning company and started Total Quality Maintenance, which was very successful for over thirty years. Ed was also employed by Hamblen County School System where he served as a bus driver for handicapped students for fifteen years. His greatest achievement was his family, especially his grandchildren who were the love of his life. He was a devoted husband for forty-nine years to his wife, Donna. Ed was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Manley Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Ed was a dedicated friend to many and lived his life as an advocate of honesty, fairness, and integrity. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Stuart and Cathren Fortner of Bristol; brother, Wayne Fortner; and mother-in-law, Lee Sutherland of Kingsport. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Fortner; sons, Eric (Elisha) Fortner and Scott Fortner; grandchildren, Allie, Trinity, Tinley, Dylan, and Cooper Fortner; brother, Tom (Judy) Fortner of Blountville; sister, Kathy Seymour of Bristol; sisters-in-law, Diana White of Bristol and Karen Fortner of Kingsport; father-in-law, Bob Sutherland of Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Deborah Martin (personal nurse) for her devout dedication to Ed for the last year. Also, to Serenity House for their care, love, and compassion. The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 26th at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27th at Bethesda Cemetery with Michael Turner officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made online to the Serenity House. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.
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