Otis Lewis “Buddy” Fortner

Otis L. “Buddy” Fortner, 84, of Kite was called to Heaven by his Heavenly Father on Friday, June 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

If you came to Kite, GA, and asked for Otis Fortner few people would know who you were talking about but if you asked for Buddy Fortner, they could tell you where to find him. He was born on November 4, 1941, in a country home to the late Daniel Lewis Fortner and Reba Wheeler Fortner. In high school, he played basketball and was a catcher all 4 years for the Kite Tigers. He graduated from Kite High School in 1959. After high school he married the love of his life, Katheryn Kitchens Fortner, and they married on October 2, 1960. They spent 65 years loving each other in marriage.

He started his career at the age of 18 as a self-employed livestock dealer. He had friends and business contacts throughout the Southeast. As owner of Fortner Livestock, he employed 100s of employees. He operated big rigs hauling hogs and cows. He was also a partner in Smith Brothers Stockyard and Swainsboro Stockyard and later worked for Pulaski County Stockyard.

Buddy was a lifetime member of New Home Baptist Church. He loved God, his family, and his friends. He was the former Sunday School Superintendent and on The Social Committee. Buddy was a member of the Swainsboro Masonic #244 and a member of the Swainsboro Shrine Club for 25 years. As a Shriner clown he enjoyed visiting the Shriners hospitals. He enjoyed fishing and taught his children and grandchildren to fish. His trips to Gatlinburg with his church family were some of his favorite memories. He found pleasure in raising cows and taking care of his farm. He had a special gift for making people happy.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughters, Kathy Carpenter and Tiffany Broughan.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years Kathryn Kitchens Fortner; daughter, Twan Broughan (Buddy) of Kite; son, Lewie Fortner (Gail) of Wrightsville; grandson, Lewis Fortner III (Jessica) of East Dublin; brother, Bobby Gene Fortner (Makayla) of Kite; 5 great grandchildren; special family friend, Jimmie Rumore; other extended family and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be Monday, June 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm at New Home Baptist Church with Reverend Lamar Kersey, Mr. Phillip Boatright, Reverend Phil Wilson, and Reverend Burton Dixon officiating. Mr. Buddy Fortner will lie in state 1 hour prior to funeral service. 

The family will receive friends at Chapman Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday June 7, 2026.

Pallbearers will be Todd Fortner, Danny Fortner, Walter Drew, Mark Crosby, Jody Scott, and Donnie Sweat.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Henry, Kenny Carroll, Anthony Frost, Big Red, and Men of New Home Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of all arrangements for Mr. Otis L. “Buddy” Fortner, 84, of Kite.