Graveside Funeral Services for Dr. Ralph Morgan Fortenberry were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at the Society Hill Cemetery. Dr. Fortenberry, age 88, passed away from this life on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Hattiesburg. Rev. Tommy Broom officiated.

Saulters Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Morgan Fortenberry was born Sept. 30, 1932, in Hattiesburg to Jasper Herbert “Bill” Fortenberry and Frances Earline Potter Fortenberry. Dr. Fortenberry was a physician and a member of Society Hill Baptist Church.

Ralph Fortenberry was a graduate of the University of Mississippi and earned his Medical Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1957. Dr. Fortenberry was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as flight surgeon at many assignments including the Navy’s Blue Angels. He began his private practice in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Fortenberry practiced medicine in Prentiss and was the founder of Fortenberry Medical Association.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and one daughter, Teresa L. Fortenberry.

Dr. Fortenberry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anna H. Fortenberry of Oakvale; one daughter, Cheryl Diane Fortenberry of London, England; two sons, Rance M. Fortenberry of Santa Rosa, California and Steven R. Fortenberry of Santa Clara, California; one granddaughter, Cleo Fortenberry of Santa Clara, California; one step-son, James C. Holland of Corinth, Texas; one step-daughter, Judy E. Lepar of Dallas, Texas; three step-grandsons, Joseph Holland, Richard Lepar and Brian Lepar; three great-granddaughters, Julianan Holland, Emma Lepar, and Julia Lepar; numerous cousins including Julian Johnston, Varane Johnston and Dorothy Johnston; special friends, Berwick Ostheimer, Rosa Hampton and the Amedisys Home Health Team; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.