Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia for Thomas Newton Fortenberry, 68, of Columbia, who passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Forrest General Hospital. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Bro. Tom Thurman will officiate the services.

The Fortenberry family will receive friends on Tuesday morning, beginning at 9:00 am up until 9:45 am at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Newton Fortenberry was a man who knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures, finding immense joy in visiting and drinking coffee with friends. His relaxed pastimes included fishing and golf, but he also embraced cooking. Always ready with a playful grin, Newton loved to play jokes on people, spreading laughter wherever he went. Above all, his greatest happiness came from his family and grandkids, for whom his love was absolute.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Kimberly Gayle Reid Fortenberry; Father, Victor Hugh Fortenberry; Mother, Betty Sue Riley Fortenberry.

He is survived by his Son, Jamie Fortenberry (Kimberly) of Columbia, MS; Daughter, Breanne Johnston (Jason) of Hattiesburg, MS; Brother, Victor Keith Fortenberry (Judy)  of Hattiesburg, MS; Grandchildren, Riley Kate Fortenberry, Andrew Thomas Fortenberry, Cooper Ryne Johnston and Addison Grace Johnston; A host of Nephews, Nieces, and Friends.

Mr. Fortenberry will be carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers; they include Mike Wallace, Dick Deal, Randall Aultman, Jason Moree, Jeffrey Haddox, and Laremy Aultman.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make donations to the Multiple sclerosis Organization or First Baptist Church of Columbia.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.