It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Weldon Douglas Fortner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, companion and friend.

Born to Louise and Felix Fortner on April 30, 1943, in Columbus, MS, he grew up in Columbus and later moved to Clinton, MS. He is preceded in death by his parents (Louise and Felix Fortner), sister Mary (Dinkey) Blackston, and grandson Jessie Dewayne Fortner.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Alicia (Lisa) Watson Fortner, of 46 years (Clinton, MS), daughters Debra (Debbie) Fortner Toth of Clinton, MS, and Heather Sims Lang (Stan) of Crystal Springs, MS, his sons Howard Fortner of Raymond, MS, and Clint Sims (Shelly) of Columbus, MS, brother Frank Fortner (Paula) of Cookville, TN, sister Brenda House of Amory, MS, his grandchildren Mindy McKay-Morton (Will) of Madison, MS, Jonathan Toth (Amber) of Clinton, MS, Shelby Lang Moss (Hayden) of Crystal Springs, MS, Jackie Johnson (Levi) of Bangkok, Thailand, Sara Yarborough of Clinton, MS, Michael Toth of Clinton, MS, Dalton Sims and Gage Sims of Columbus, MS, and Alisha Bullen (Chad) of Wiggins, MS. He is survived by great-grandchildren Alex, Tucker, Rivers, Lock, Raif, Kimber, Weldon, Chad, Laila, and Leah. Doug is survived by his sister-in-laws: Pam Fischer of Brandon, MS, Debra Cliett (Michael) of Brandon, and Barbara Edwards (Billy Morgan) of Santa Barbara, CA.

Doug fostered a multitude of long lasting personal friendships that are far too numerous to name, some of which preceded him in death and others that survived him. He is survived by close and special friends Richard Morris, Ted and Loraine Gilbert, Jack Hardy, Robert Penn, and Shelby Ware.

Doug grew up with a passion for the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and shooting sports. Doug had a reputation as a marksman in trap shooting, earning both the Gulf States Trap Shooting Champion of Mississippi title and Senior Trap Shooting Champion of Mississippi. He was also a proud member of the Capitol Gun Club in Jackson, Mississippi. While fishing with his wife, Lisa, he broke a world record by catching a 96-pound blue catfish on a 40-pound test line in the Mississippi River at Vicksburg. That fish is now admired by many and displayed at Bass Pro in Missouri.

He was the owner-operator of L&D Dirt Work in Clinton, Mississippi. He was a dedicated landscaper and contractor who took great pride in his work and was known for his perfectionism.

The family extends gratitude and appreciation to St. Joseph Hospice for their diligent services and dedication to Doug and his family.

If you knew Doug, you knew of his soft spot, affection, and generous heart for animals. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA), a no-kill shelter located in Jackson, Mississippi.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at Wright & Ferguson in Clinton, Mississippi. The visitation will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. A reading of God’s Word will be led by Pastor Emmett Pollard on Saturday, May 30, 2026, beginning at 12 p.m., also at Wright & Ferguson, followed by a burial at Lakewood Cemetery at 1 p.m.

The pallbearers will be Stan Lane, Jonathan Toth, Will Morton, Dalton Sims, Gage Sims, Ted Gilbert, and Hayden Moss.