Joe Ted Fortenberry of Fort Worth, Texas passed away at his home on January 6, 2022 from long term medical conditions. He was born July 6, 1951 in Denton, Texas, the son of Hardie and Betty Fortenberry. He spent his early years on the family dairy farm just off the Slidell-Greenwood Freeway. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to the big city of Hurst, Texas where he played basketball for L. D. Bell High School, made many friends, had more fun than homework and graduated with the class of ’69. He stayed in touch with many of these friends and enjoyed a golf game with them on a regular basis even if scores were sometimes fudged and foot wedges were part of the game. His upbringing and heritage made Joe a true Texan who enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing and the outdoors his entire life. Possibly with not quite the same level of enjoyment but also as a part of his heritage, he was a 5th generation Texas cowboy. He spent a couple of weeks a year working at the Fort Worth Stock Show for 30 years. Moving thousands of sometimes uncooperative head of cattle over the years gave him a great love of a good steak. He loved the shooting sciences and regularly participated in the yearly CASA sporting clays contest in support of child advocacy. Over the years Joe worked at a variety of jobs including men’s apparel sales associate, wallpaper installation, concert security, bartender, fitness entrepreneur, right-of-way inspector and self-described cowologist. Joe retired from the Texas Department of Transportation in 2016. He was also a pretty good photographer, camouflage artist and performance artist. On a good day at sunset, he was a philosopher. As the oldest, Joe was often given the enormous responsibility of riding herd on his brother and sisters in the absence of the parents. While this led to inevitable but trivial struggles for authority, he also provided creative entertainment. This was a time before cell phones, personal computers, smart TVs or Amazon. Fun was what you made it and Joe always thought of something because he was a fun guy. We climbed the roof to throw toy soldiers off with parachutes and then slid off the roof in boxes. He built a sled out of scrap wood when the water pump overflow froze over. We played croquet with baseballs, hammers and coat hangers. He created two golf courses, each with one hole. When he got his driver’s license, he took us to the Dairy Queen which was a huge treat. One of Joe’s oldest friends and partners in misadventure, recently described Joe this way, “Joe was a reverse Will Rogers. He never met a man who didn’t like him”. That says it all. He will be sorely missed by many friends and much family. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Hardie Fortenberry, mother Betty House, sister Pamela Garrett. He is survived by brother Dale Fortenberry and wife Vivian, sister Lynne Butler and husband Robert, niece Monica Higdon and husband Stephen and their three children Simon, Genevieve, and William Hardie. Memorial services will be scheduled at a later time. Joe supported vaccinations and social distancing to fight the pandemic.
Brown Owens & Brumley Family Funeral Home
425 S. Henderson St.
(817) 335-4557
Don Melton
I’ve known Joe for over 50 years, this is one of the best tributes to Joe I’ve ever read. Nothing needs to be added except to agree that everyone loved Joe, he was always fun and a great guy to be around. We did spend a lot of time on the golf course the last few decades, shooting clays, and shooting at Dove, maybe having a cocktail, or two. Our golf group will be a little short the next time we play, but Joe will be watching. I will miss you!!!
Larry Parker
Joe was a classmate at LD Bell class of 69. I called Joe the “Tall Gentle Cowboy” as he was always easy goin’ and had smile on his face. Not long ago at one of the golf outings he and I sat and talked for over an hour shootin’ the breeze. He will be missed! Our prayers are for the family at this time.
Larry Parker
Joe was a classmate of mine, class of 69. I always called Joe “Our Tall Gentle Cowboy”. Not long ago at one of the golf outings Joe along with others sat and visited for well over and hour. We laughed just like we did as young bucks. Joe will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Good Bless
Sherri Calloway Brownlow
Dale, I remember your brother . Was a great friend to me way back in the day.
Sorry for your loss. What great things said and it him.
Not sure if you remember me or not.
Dale
Thank you. Yes I remember you Sherri. Hope you are doing well.
Steve Emerson
As stated one of the truly Good Guy. As a classmate of Joe’s he was great to be around. As one of the golfers who met when we could, I always looked forward to riding in the cart with Joe. He will be missed by all who knew and loved his gentle ways. RIP Brother Joe.
Harold and Cindy Bowles
We remember Joe Ted especially when we gathered together to work cattle. It was a day full of fun and practical jokes. He was as strong as an ox and knew how to run cattle through the chute. He loved riding a good horse. We sure had good times with Joe Ted and he will be surely missed.
Tom & Shelley Carson
Joe Ted was truly one of a kind. Our trips to the farm in Greenwood are truly not the same without him … We dearly miss Joe Ted’s entertaining humor and laughter … Joe Ted could always tell a grand story … his tall tails and laughter where the best ending to long day . The Carson gang loved having him on hand to work Cows or enjoy lunch at the Greenwood store .. We had some great visits on the tail gate of our truck with Rex Maxwell and Dale … Joe Ted was such a great cowboy and friend … he has helped us so much over the years … Thank you for sharing him with us!!! Joe Ted was very precious to our son Cole who always enjoyed hearing his comic college advice … He would also share precious stories about Cole’s grandparents… Charles & Moleana Carson and things they would do at the farm ….. Joe Ted would often pull out a gold coin and tell Cole how Charles gave him that coin when he was born… and how much his grandparents adored him… Thank you for helping comfort us through that loss … Your kindness and friendship will never be forgotten!!! You were a treasure to us.
We love and miss you Joe Ted Fortenberry!! ❤️
The Carson gang – Tom, Shelley , Cole , Rhys , Kenzie and Kendra
If we can help with anything please let us know!
Claire O’Berry
Joe Ted and I shared many pleasant sunsets sitting on the porch with our favorite adult beverage. We solved all the worlds problems and deeply appreciated the gift given us by our Fortenberry ancestors. He gave me a driver and golf balls to shoot across the pasture. A hopeless cause but handy by the door as a lethal weapon
Deborah Cline
Lynne and family, I am so sorry
For your loss. Prayers of comfort for
You all.
John Kelley
I worked with Joe for 10 yrs at Txdot (Denton) .
Joe was a good friend & mentor to my -shelf & many a coworker. His easy going humors attitude, made Joe one of a kind at work or away from work. Dale, I don’t know if u remember me,
I’m John Kelley my sister Tammy (TJ) was close friends with Pam. Anyways just found out about Joe passing. He was a great guy & a great friend & Co worker, my heart felt CONDOLENCES.