PHONE: (972) 562-2601 Gene Fort October 21, 1940 - June 22, 2017 Loyd Eugene (Gene) Fort passed away on June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family at Baylor Scott & White in McKinney at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Princeton, Texas Gene graduated from Princeton High School in 1959, as the class salutatorian. He was a multi-sport athlete as well as a Texas state FFA Officer. After graduation, Gene attended East Texas State University (Texas A&M-Commerce). In 1962, he began three decades of service at G.W. Taylor Tank Company in Gunter, Texas where Gene ended his career there in 1996, rising to general manager and finally as president. After leaving Taylor Tank, he worked as a construction project manager until his final retirement in 2016. Gene spent untold hours supporting youth sports in North Texas. He served as a coach and mentor where his impact on countless young people is still talked about today. A legendary storyteller who always seemed to have the perfect anecdote for any occasion, Gene s personality was a big as Texas. His laugh was infectious and he truly never met a stranger. An old school tough guy who kept his struggles private, Gene was truly a fighter who had already beaten cancer twice but answered the bell for a third round with hope and optimism. To all that had a chance to just spend five minutes with Gene, you probably have already thought of a Gene Fort story. His energy and enthusiasm for life was evident in everything he did. Gene is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tressye Lee (Branch) Fort of McKinney, Texas; son, Gregg Alan Fort of Oneonta, N.Y. and his wife Nicci Hays Fort of Des Moines, Iowa; son, Darren Lee Fort and his wife Debra (Johnson) Fort of McKinney, Texas; grandson, Parker Johnson Fort also of McKinney, Texas; sister, Carolyne (Fort) Curtis and her husband Richard of Princeton, Texas; nephews, Robert Curtis of Princeton, Texas, Rodney Curtis of Nacogdoches, Texas and Russell Curtis of McKinney, Texas, and niece Roxie (Curtis) Hester of Garland, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd A. Fort and Lola Mae (Morrison) Fort both of Princeton, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday evening, June 25, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Turrentine-Jackson- Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 26, 2017 at Turrentine- Jackson-
Morrow Chapel in Allen with Dr. Tommy Brumett of the First Methodist Church of McKinney officiating. Interment is to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen. Pallbearers will be Johnny Bailey, Rick Carter, Robert Curtis, Rodney Curtis, Russell Curtis, Monte Self. Honorary pallbearer will be Parker Fort. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be to the St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or www.stjude.org in the memory of Loyd Eugene Fort. Memorials Tressie, I just now saw this. I have been out of town. So sorry to hear about Eugene. You and your family are truly in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are doing well! LINDA BARRON MERRIMAN, JULY 4, 2017 Darren, Debra, and Parker, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We always enjoyed talking with him during the soccer games. No doubt he will still be watching from the best seat in the house now!!! Greg, Kris, and Adam Toombs GREG AND KRIS TOOMBS, JUNE 26, 2017 I just heard of your loss. I am so sorry that we have all lost this fantastic man who always had a fun positive attitude. May your many good memories comfort you during your time of loss. He was a fine man and an honor to have known. MARTHA WOODS, JUNE 26, 2017 Tressye and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you gather to celebrate Gene's life. I will always remember Gene for his quick wit and story telling, he was such a character. May the God of peace give you comfort and strength for the days ahead. JOHNNY ENCIZO, JUNE 26, 2017 The Wiser family has known Gene for many years. My brother, Eddie Wiser, was about the age of Gene. He was a good sport in PHS. Bless your family, Dan Wiser DAN WISER, JUNE 26, 2017 We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Gene. Gene was one of the first
neighbors I met when I bought my house back in 2004, and since then, he has always been one of our favorite people in the neighborhood. He always had a funny story to share, a witty quip to tell and a bright smile to give. He was very proud of his family, and through the years, he'd always make a point to tell us about how his sons were doing and about Parker's sports games. We will certainly miss chatting with him, and we wish for peace, love and understanding for the family. ROBERT AND GARI-ANN LENORE, JUNE 26, 2017 To Gregg and family, With loving thoughts and deepest sympathies, Susan Polk SUSAN POLK, JUNE 25, 2017 He was my favorite cousin! I loved hearing him tell stories and I loved the way he loved his family! He was such a great man! Praying for the Fort family! JULIE LAW, JUNE 25, 2017 RIP Gene. You are a great man & a great friend of my father, W.T.(Travis) Smith. There are now 2 great MEN in heaven now. May the Lord give his family comfort, but knowing he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! GREG SMITH, JUNE 25, 2017 So sorry for your loss. He was a very special man. JEFF TAYLOR, JUNE 25, 2017 So sorry to hear of Mr Forts passing. Being a customer of mine since '89 at the corner Mobil for 10 yrs and then Home Depot for 18 yrs we always had alot of laughs. My Prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Peace be with you all. BECKY GARCIA-RADWAY (MOBIL & HOME DEPOT), JUNE 25, 2017 He was a fun guy who made me laugh. I will miss serving him the Satillo. RAYMOND RICHARD FARAIZL JR, JUNE 24, 2017 Treasure, Greg,Darrin and family, Joe and I are just devastated to hear about Gene. He was such a wonderful person and father. Please take comfort in the memories and wonderful times the past 56 years have brought. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and give you peace. Joe
and Linda Sullivan LINDA SULLIVAN, JUNE 24, 2017 Tressye and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I thought the last time I saw him at Parker's ballgame that he was not well but did not know he was so near the end. I am so glad I saw you guys and was able to kid around with him one last time. He was as someone put it "a Hoot". always good for a story and a laugh. Tressye, I know what you are going through and will be facing in the days ahead, know that I am lifting you up to the One that can bring you peace and comfort. JOHNNIE FISHER, JUNE 24, 2017 So sorry to hear this news. A wonderful man who loved his family and friends. He will truly be missed. May you find comfort in the wonderful life he lived and the many wonderful memories Clif & Shirley Mayfield CLIF & SHIRLEY MAYFIELD, JUNE 24, 2017 Tressie, Darren and Greg. I am so sad to hear about Gene. What a HOOT! He always told the story of when ya'll lived next door and I was just a TOE HEAD kid. I will never forget him or you Tressie. I pray that you find inner peace. Gene will always be watching over you guys. LOYD CRAWFORD, JUNE 23, 2017 Eugene was huge man in a small body, his drive and camaraderie and leadership in all the PHS Sports program I'll always remember, he would littererly focused on fire, truly team player, he had everyone's back if thing got out of have. Little guy big heart, he left his mark on PHS I was shock to hear of his passing, if that lighting and thunder gets a little louder we know the what department God put Gene in. So sorry for his family's loss, we never understand this part of life. Raymond Woodard RAYMOND WOODARD, JUNE 23, 2017 Rest in peace Gene!To the Family, we are so sorry for your loss! JOHNNY AND SUE LINDSEY, JUNE 23, 2017
DARREN AND DEBRA AND FAMILY. WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. YOUR DAD WAS A GREAT MAN. MAY YOU TAKE COMFORT IN ALL THE MEMORIES YOU HAVE SHARED. JOE AND SUE JOE AND SUE ISOM, JUNE 23, 2017 I have to meet Lillian in Houston Saturday but we are thinking of you. BILL AND LILLIAN HUGHES, JUNE 23, 2017 Family Owned Since 1945 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is the premier provider of funeral services in North Texas, with seven convenient locations and three beautiful memorial parks. We are a locally owned family business that has served North Texas for over 70 years. Families who visit us receive the highest quality of professionalism and service, with compassion and care that are unsurpassed. Copyright 2015 (972) 562-2601