Justice "Jud" Fortenbery

Mr. Justice "Jud" Fortenbery, 89 of Murray, Kentucky, passed away October 11, 2016 after an extended illness. Jud was born May 20, 1927 in Sebree, KY to the late Beckham and Ruby Fortenbery. He was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce, his second wife, Judy, a son, Richard, and a brother John.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Fay Fortenbery, Murray, KY; two brothers, Don Fortenbery of Lewistown, MT and Tom Fortenbery of Fort Wayne, IN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jud served during WWII as an airplane mechanic and later as an air cadet. He continued to be an avid pilot, airplane owner, and civilian airplane mechanic throughout his life, also serving on the Murray Calloway County Airport Board.

He was employed for many years as a heavy equipment operator on some of the largest draglines and cranes in use at the time, both on large construction jobs and for coal mines. He was employed on projects throughout the Southeastern United States, including the construction of Barkley and Rough River Dams. He later worked as a machinist at Consolidated Aluminum and Vanderbilt Chemical Company, from which he retired. Jud was known as someone who could design and build almost anything. Among his many innovations was a web folding machine to be used in the production of lawn chairs, which he invented and patented while working at Consolidated Aluminum.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted for friends and family at Murray City Cemetery on October 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Charley Bazzell, and Mark Hurt will officiate.
No public visitation will be held.
Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com