Hilton Hollis Fortenberry, 92, of Progress, passed away, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born January 30, 1926 in Progress to Norman and Carrie Thornhill Fortenberry. He was a retired lineman for Con Tel Telephone of Ridgecrest, California where he had worked for 27 years. Mr. Fortenberry was a member of Progress Baptist Church and served his country with pride. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, the Mississippi National Guard and the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby Fortenberry; five brothers and their spouses, including his twin brother, Milton W. and Ruth Fortenberry, Ulmer Fortenberry, James W. and Mena Fortenberry, Luther Fortenberry and J.F. and Charlotte Fortenberry; four sisters and their spouses, Mary Lou and Pur Schilling, Ora Dillon, Norma and Wilburn Fortenberry and Louise and Orvid Cathey and one step-son, James Cornish.

He is survived by his niece and her husband, who were his caregivers, Tammie and Tony Martin of Progress their children and grandchildren, Kevin and Rebecca Martin, Jake, Mallory and Audrey Martin, William and Kristi Bird, Leigh, Lindsey and Andy Bird, Kelly and Codie Martin and Ryan and Reed Martin; one stepdaughter, Kaye Jones of Knowles, OK and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to Hospice Compassus and especially Shannon, Rebecca and Dorothy. Graveside services will be held Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Progress Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Slump officiating. Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent in Mr. Fortenberry's memory to Hospice Compassus, 119 West Presley Blvd., McComb, MS 39648