James Franklin Forte

Posted

James Franklin Forte, age 79, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 10, 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia Forte of Fairhope; son, Gary Forte (Jean) of Selma, Alabama; daughter, Karen Forte Cox (Charles) of Mobile, Alabama; granddaughter, Mallory Floyd; brothers, Jerry Forte (Cheri) and Rusty Dimmett; sister, Patsy Schunk (Fred); and many other loving relatives and friends.

Frank was born on Jan. 8, 1938 in Buena Vista, Alabama to Cora Bell and Bernard Elmore Forte. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1955, and then served in the Alabama Army National Guard.

He later moved to Selma, Alabama where he founded Forte Dental Lab. He worked there for many years, and later retired to Fairhope in 2014.

Frank was known for his sense of humor and love of travelling, especially to his wife's native country of Greece.

He was a train enthusiast, and was involved with the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama. He loved fishing, boating on the Alabama River, relaxing at Gulf Shores and dinners out with family and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all of us.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, at First Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama at 11, with Dr. Jerry Light officiating.

He will be laid to rest at a later time in Buena Vista Cemetery.

Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, 251-990-7775, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.