Howard “Bug” Thomas Fortner

Howard “Bug” Thomas Fortner, 85, of Lexington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026.

Born on August 16, 1940, in Cabarrus County, Howard was the son of Carl and Irene Fortner. He was one of seven children and was preceded in death by his siblings Ralph, Edna, Carl Junior, Laura, William, and Charles.

Howard was known by many as “Bug,” a nickname that stayed with him throughout his life, but to his grandchildren, he was simply and lovingly “Papaw.” That title meant the world to him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann Fortner, with whom he shared a remarkable love story spanning more than 65 years. The two met when Howard moved into Ann’s neighborhood when she was just 12 years old. They married young. He was 18 and she was 16. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family.

Howard was a proud and dedicated father to his three children, Angela Hartley and her husband Terry, Chris Fortner and his wife Kay, and Kim Fortner.

His greatest joy, however, was his growing family. He was a loving Papaw to his four grandchildren, Breanna VanHartley and her partner Rachel, Brittany Gobble and her husband Joshua, Cassie Fortner, and Justin Fortner and his wife Larkin. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Oliver VanHartley and Finnegan VanHartley. He loved each of them deeply and cherished every moment spent together.

A hardworking man, Howard spent 35 years with Lexington Furniture, where he built a reputation for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to providing for his family.

Howard was a longtime member of Macedonia Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men. His faith and community were important parts of his life.

In his free time, Howard found joy in the simple things. He loved fishing, hunting, working in his yard, and cheering on UNC. Above all, he loved showing up for his grandchildren and rarely missed a chance to watch them play sports and support them in all they did.

Howard will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love for his family, and the life he built alongside those he cared for most.

A service will be held at Macedonia Memory Garden on Sunday, May 3rd at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Macedonia Building Fund, Hospice of Davidson County, or Shriners Children’s Hospital.

If sending flowers to the family, please send them to Howard's house.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

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