Ray Fortson, 88, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veteran’s home with his daughter by his side. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, March 9, 2018 at the funeral home.Ray was born December 4, 1929 in Melvin, Texas to Asa L. and Laura Fortson. He was the youngest of seven children. He married Marilyn Carpenter in Big Spring on January 30, 1954. The couple raised two children. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Marilyn’s death in 2004.Ray spent his childhood working on the family farm and attending Melvin schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a young man, but returned to Texas after a year of service to tend to his family farm. He worked full-time at Cosden Refinery in Big Spring for 27 years. He also worked at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home for more than 8 years, and at Howard College for 6 years.Ray was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Big Spring most of his life. He was known to lend a hand to those in need, mowing lawns or doing handiwork.Ray will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his wit, and his tender love for his family. A law abiding citizen, Ray never received a single traffic ticket his entire life.He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his son, Terry, and six siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Kerry McKinley of Big Spring; his daughter in-law, Elsa Fortson of Palmer; and his grandchildren; Kenny Fortson, Leslie Fortson, Tyler McKinley and Emily McKinley.The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donate or to the American Cancer Society, % Vicki Stewart, 6 Coachmans Circle, Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
