Hoke Smith Fortson, Jr.

Mr. Hoke Smith Fortson, Jr, 86, of Austell, GA, husband of 63 years to Linda Cheryl Norman Fortson, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at WellStar Cobb Hospital in Austell, GA.

Mr. Fortson was born in Anderson, SC on Christmas Eve 1938, and was raised in Elbert County. A son of the late Hoke Smith Fortson, Sr. and Zelma Hulme Fortson, he was a 1959 graduate of Clemson University where he obtained a bachelors degree in electrical engineering. Hoke began his career with Georgia Power at the age of 20, and retired after 45 years of service as an engineer. He was a devout Christian and was presently a member of First Baptist Church of Mableton, GA. One of his greatest accomplishments was serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves for six years.

Hoke was a very giving man, and took great pleasure in helping others, and was generous for all of his life. He was a devoted father who loved his children dearly. In his free time, he enjoyed tinkering, woodworking, and always had a home improvement project he was working on.

In addition to his beloved wife Linda, he is survived by his children: Hoke Smith “Chip” Fortson, III and his wife Lauran of Bowman, GA and Sherry Fortson Popovic and her husband Dan of Cumming, GA; and siblings: Josephine Fortson, Francis Fortson, and Dewey Fortson, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 22, from 1:00-1:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Tim Adams, will follow at 2:00p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Hoke Smith Fortson, Jr.