John William Fortune

On Thursday, December 29th, John William Fortune, age 97, passed away peacefully at home with family.  He was born December 8, 1925, in Clifton SC, and resided in the Cannon’s Campground area of Spartanburg.  He was the eldest son of the late William and Ellen Fortune and was also predeceased by a sister, Annette Haggard, and a brother, Douglas Fortune.  After meeting and wooing the hand of Nancy Sue Scott Fortune, they were married in 1952. She preceded him in death in 2018 after 66 years of marriage. John is survived by their daughter, Jonnie Craig of Douglasville, Georgia and two granddaughters, Jamie Brannon of Douglasville, Georgia, and Jennifer Mullins (Eric) of Spartanburg.

John was devoted to his family and got involved in all activities that allowed him to bond with and support his girls. He was an incredible Father and Papa to all and extended his love to their friends and his nieces and nephews. He was patient and fair, kind and calm.  His comforting presence will be missed tremendously.

John enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Walker.  He was a machinist's mate third class and spent time in Hawaii.  He returned home with an honorable discharge in December of 1951. 

John Fortune retired from both Gulf Oil Company and Spartanburg County as the Magistrate of Cowpens. After retirement from Gulf, he continued to organize an annual reunion picnic for many years. He was a loyal public servant as magistrate and earned the respect of many. He truly loved Cowpens and was best known for his dedication to the town.  He also enjoyed participating in the Mighty Moo Festival and rode in the parade for many years.

John was a member of Clifton First Baptist Church and was involved in many service clubs to include a life-long membership in the Lion’s and Ruritan Clubs.  He served on the District 3 School Board and enjoyed staying active by walking for exercise in downtown Cowpens. He walked the 3-mile circuit daily until he was in his 80’s.  He regularly attended Spartanburg Phillies and Broome High School ballgames and enjoyed being active in the community.  As he and his friends aged, he visited more and more of them at hospital or retirement homes.  He was a great friend and could always be counted on to visit or call. 

The family would like to thank their devoted nurse, Tammy Emmanuel who provided care for Nancy and John.  We could not have done it without you.  The Interim Hospice team was amazing, and John’s life was extended by the wonderful care they administered.   

A celebration of life is scheduled for January 7th at Bobo Funeral Chapel, 1860 Cannons Campground Road Spartanburg.  The family will receive friends at 1pm and service to follow at 2pm.   Burial with Military Honors to follow at Floyd’s Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road Spartanburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Interim Hospice, 100 Verdae Blvd Suite 200, Greenville, SC 29607.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.