Obituary of James R. Fort

FORT, James R. "Buddy", Jr. Mr. James R. "Buddy" Fort, Jr., died Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Sylvia's Hospice House. He was a native and lifelong resident of Ocala. Buddy worked for the City of Ocala for over 36 years, retiring as the Deputy Director of the Ocala Electric Utility. He was a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Ocala Elks Lodge #286; a life member of the Marion Dunn Lodge #19, F.& A.M.; a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; the Society of Mayflower Descendants of Florida; Sons of the American Revolution, and was a long time member of First United Methodist Church of Ocala. He served his country during WWII in the United States Air Force. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Margaret Ann Tubbs Fort; his son James R. Fort, III and wife Nancy of Dade City, FL; son Michael L. Fort of Winter Park, FL, sister Virginia McLucas and her husband Jack, of Ocala; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Fort will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Thursday at Woodlawn Cemetery on NE 3rd Street in Ocala. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Main Street, Enterprise, FL 32725.