Ray Elmer Fortney

Ray Elmer Fortney, 83, of Arthurdale, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at J. W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. He was born at the Fortney family farm in the Bethlehem community on June 2, 1937 a son of the late Carl and Lela (Bolyard) Fortney. 

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.  He retired from the Times West Virginian in Fairmont, WV after 30 years of employment.  He began his newspaper career in Ohio then returned to WV.  He was in the United States Army Reserve until 1966. Ray truly loved the outdoors and going to his farm.

Ray is survived by his son Timothy Fortney of Morgantown; son Bruce Fortney of Williamsburg, VA; step-daughter Kimberly Toothman and husband, Charles, of Danville, VA; step-son Paul Pool and wife, Roxann, of New Orleans, LA; four grandchildren Sarah Toothman, Ryan Toothman, Joshua Fortney (wife, Sarah Davies) and Aidan Pool; one great-granddaughter, Isla Fortney;  six sisters and spouses, Loretta Christopher of Kingwood, Jeanette Friend of Reedsville, Lucille Trickett Hovatter of Reedsville,  Shirley and Dennis Hovatter of Independence, Linda and Rick Cornwell of Independence, and Barbara and Chester Wilkins of Masontown.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Doris (Radabaugh) Fortney; two brothers, Delford Fortney and Robert Fortney; and a grandson, Jonathan Ray Fortney.

Friends will be received at the Morgan Funeral Home, Reedsville, WV, from 6 - 8 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021, where Funeral services in the funeral home chapel will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Charles Warger officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery with full Military Honors.

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