Dr. Kenneth Fortson, 57, of Social Circle, died January 7, 2009. He was born in Elbert County on July 4, 1951 to Margaret Dye Fortson and the late Weymon Fortson. He was preceded in death by Kyle’s son, the late Frank Scott Williams.

He was a veterinarian in Social Circle for over 20 years and was well respected and loved by all who knew him. God used him in many ways, not only in his practice, but also in the community to reach others for the Lord. He was an organizer and board member of the Social Circle Christian Learning Center, an organizer of a men’s community outreach group which held an annual men’s retreat teaching Christian leadership and discipleship. He held a weekly Bible study in his home for men in his church and community and was a Sunday school teacher at his local church. Most importantly, he loved the Lord; he loved his wife, Kyle, his children, grandchildren and great grandchild and was a great foundation for Christ in his family.

Surviving are wife, Kyle Blackwood Fortson of Social Circle; mother, Margaret Dye Fortson of Jackson; sons and daughters-in-law, Marcus Kenneth and Laurie Fortson of Madison, Henry Stephen and Janis Williams of Social Circle, the late Frank Scott Williams and Beth Williams of Social Circle; daughters and sons-in-law Karen Fortson and Stewart  Thigpen of Statesboro, Paige and Tim Mitchell of Madison; sister, Carol and Paul Spratlin of Auburn, Ala.; brother and sister-in-law Keith and Gay Fortson of Jackson; grandchildren Peyton Fortson, Jackson Thigpen, Drew and Autumn Dellinger, Kayla Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Parker Williams, Christian Williams, Macy Williams, Nicholas Williams, Landon Williams, David Unruh and Daniel Unruh; great-granddaughter Marley Dellinger, and several nieces and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
•UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Memorial Fund for Ken Fortson. Make checks payable to Arch Foundation and send to Kathy Bangle, UGA-CVM, Athens, GA 30602.

•Helping Hands Christian Ministry, 1102 A Highway 11 N, Social Circle, GA 30025.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 10 at Social Circle United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Noth officiating. Interment followed at Social Circle City Cemetery.
Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.

Published in the January 15 edition.