John Marvin Fortune

John was the fifth child in line of eight children born to Ralph and Virginia Fortune. He was born on February 3rd, 1956. He was an adventurous young boy and could always be found playing outside. He enjoyed fishing, shooting his beebe gun, and playing with his sling slot. Fortune vacations often involved eating the fish that John and his brothers and sisters caught together. John committed his life to the Lord in 1978 and took that commitment seriously; always wanting to make sure others knew who God was and how they too could know Him. He loved books, reading the bible, and memorizing scripture. John attended Word of Life Bible Institute in 1979 where he studied the bible and drew closer to God. He was actively involved at Cherrydale Baptist Church with such a servants heart, he taught 3rd & 4th grade Sunday School, lead a bible study, and was a leader in the singles ministry. John witnessed to everyone he came in contact with; even in his last days when he was at the rehabilitation center, he was thrilled to have a captive audience to tell about Jesus. John met his wife, Diane, when he took her picture for the new member’s bulletin at Cherrydale in March of 1991. He swept her off her feed, and they were engaged 6 months later. John and Diane were married April, 1992 and had their beautiful daughter Gloria almost a year later. Gloria was the apple of John’s eye and he was a proud Daddy. John was a hard worker and dedicated employee; where he worked at Giant Food Store for 39 years. He was friendly and people looked for John to make sure and say hello. He was respected at work and truly cared about people. Outside of work, John loved to take pictures and enjoyed growing flowers. More than anything, John was a family man. He loved and cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them. John is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Gloria, mother Virginia, three brothers – Ron, Albert, and Joe, and two sisters – Donna, and Jeanie. John was also a loving uncle to 7 nieces, 5 nephews, 9 great-nieces, and 9 great-nephews.