Sam Fortenberry, age 59, of Lockney, passed away August 1, 2014 in Lubbock. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Plainview with Kyle Brock officiating. Interment will follow at Lockney Cemetery under the personal care of Lemons Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Monday at Lemons Funeral Home.
Sam was born on December 6, 1954 in Lockney, Texas to Eddie Joe and and Billie "Gayle" Fortenberry. He graduated from Lockney High School in 1973 and attended the Greg School of Auctioneering in 1983. He owned and operated the Lockney Meat Company for over 30 years while he farmed wheat and cotton and ranched in Floyd County. He was a man of many talents who enjoyed participating at rodeos in roping and calf branding, as well as auctioneering; but, his favorite activity was spending time with his family. Sam loved his community and gave back in many ways like serving on the Lockney City Council in the 1980's. Sam married Becky Porter on July 1, 1995 in Lockney and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lockney.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Becky Fortenberry of Lockney; his mother Gayle Reay and stepfather Boyd of Lockney; his daughter, Jennifer Diane Golden and husband Chad of Highland Village; his sons, Eddie Lee Fortenberry and wife Jessica of Abernathy, Donnie Grip Fortenberry of Lockney, and Keith Tripper Fortenberry of Lockney; three grandchildren, Grayson, Grant and Laney Golden; his brothers, John Fortenberry and wife Retha of San Angelo, David Abell and wife Julie of Dallas; sisters, Marcia Phillips and husband Keith of Lockney, Kay Brock and husband Kyle of Plainview and Angie McDowell and husband Duke of Dripping Springs, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Eddie and Amelia Fortenberry.
Memorials may be made in Sam's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Lubbock Chapter at 3610 22nd Suite 300, Lubbock, TX, 79410 or locally to Area Community Hospice at 4300 Olton Rd, Plainview, TX, 79072.