View Full Version : In memory of Tommy Fortenberry


stillbelieve
08-11-2003, 07:58 PM
The State of Alabama killed a kind and gentle man on August 7, 2003. Tommy was my first love, a true and loyal friend, a wonderful son, brother, and uncle and if given the chance, he would have been a great father.

Tomorrow, his family will hold his memorial service. Some who will speak only knew the incarcerated Tommy. But the fun-loving, happy-go-lucky Tommy is the one I will always remember.

We met in college 20 years ago. I was pregnant and he always managed to get on my last nerve! He loved to tease the girls and play pranks. I can't count the times I screamed, "Tommy, leave me alone!". As my pregnancy progressed, I would be too tired to leave campus for lunch. He would always bring me back something. One morning, I had been really hateful to him. But he still brought back my lunch. After I had eaten, he asked if everything was alright. I told him it was exactly what I wanted. He said "Well, I spilled it all on the ground, but I knew you'd still want it". I was furious! I swore I would never speak to him again. But by the end of the day, we were friends again. He had such an infectious laugh and smile, it was hard to stay mad at him long.

He loved to play sports, hunt, fish, anything out-of-doors. He also loved to arm-wrestle and shoot pool.

After the birth of my daughter, our friendship gradually grew to love and we spent alot of time together. He treated my daughter like his own flesh and blood. It was amazing to watch this big man be so gentle with a newborn baby.

If you asked for help, he did his best to help.

If you needed a shoulder, he always had one available.

If you needed a hug, his arms were always open.

If you needed a friend, he was always there.

If you felt loved or unwanted, he made sure you knew you were wanted and loved in his life.

For all of us that knew and loved Tommy__WE WERE BLESSED

I'll miss you, Baby Huey.

Pam
08-11-2003, 09:30 PM
Well Girlfriend you said it all right. All these years later he Still loved to play basketball and argue with someone about cheating at dominoes. One of a kind that is for sure. We used to tease him about being a big old teddy bear.

I too believe that I was blessed by knowing him for the short time that I did.

God Bless you Stillbelieve.

KRIS_NC
08-12-2003, 03:41 PM
GOD BLESS BOTH OF YOU AND OF COURSE TOMMY

LaurieJ
08-12-2003, 06:55 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and the one you Loved.

Ivory
08-12-2003, 08:36 PM
May he rest in peace....Thanks for calling attention to the fact that DR prisoners are PEOPLE!

darkangel
08-13-2003, 12:39 AM
May he rest in peace. I hope he has found a better place to be.
Stillbelieve, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

And my heart is with his mother, who asked the governor for her son's his life, crying so bitterly.

May God bless you all

Enjay
08-13-2003, 10:43 PM
All who new and loved Tommy are in my thoughts and prayers!! May he rest in peace.

Amanda
08-14-2003, 07:53 AM
I am so sorry for you loss.

God bless you and Tommy.

deb
08-14-2003, 08:48 AM
I'm so sorry this happened.... My thoughts go out to you and his family and other friends...

Deb

kellil
08-14-2003, 08:57 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like this world lost another wonderful soul. Now, he can dance with Jesus! May you find strength during these troubled times.

Kelli

HeatherT
09-06-2003, 11:08 AM
May he rest in peace. It is hard to say goodbye to someone that we treasure so much. But just remember, he is watching you every day as your guardian angel. Prayers and thoughts are with you.