Thomas M. Fortson, 86, of Fellsmere, passed away on Nov. 12, 2015, surrounded by his entire family.
He 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. It is with heavy hearts that our family strives to find a new normal without him. He was like no other and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Fortson was born on April 14, 1929 in Felda, Fla., 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 four 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 his “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, Fortson 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. He 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, Fortson had large cattle ranches in North Indian River and South Brevard. He enjoyed wild hog hunting and deer hunting with his friends. He had a rule that all wild hogs were to be caught by hand, and never to be shot.
Fortson was both an intellectual and a philosopher, with a keen understanding of government and foreign policy. Through his effort, the Fellsmere Rodeo was established. He 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.