Its been a little over 4 years and I came across this by accident. I read the messages and relived that sad day. All of the kids were there as dad left this world and went on to the next. We all delt with his passing our own ways and have moved on flourishing in our own lives. We all have wonderful families. As I look back at that day I realize how precious it was that we as a family watched dad pass on. It gave us closure and allowed us to morn dads death in peace. Although it was hard to see, in retrospect I'm glad I did. Moms doing well as we new she would. She's the matriarch and is the glue that's holds us all together. Always offering to help all 6 kids in every way possible. Sometimes to a fault. lol I'm so honored to have had such an amazing father and mother to teach me how to be the man of my house but also how to love unconditionally even when every things are not perfect. My memories of dad are so clear and his legacy lives on through his children. He was a great dad that taught his children the value of integrity and respect. He will live on in us for generations to come. Thank you dad for all you did. your son Tim

- Tim Fortson, richmond hill, GA

I served with Milo in Korea in '79 and '80. He was an outstanding soldier and a good friend. I am going to miss him.

- Robert Beres, Columbia, MD

Your father, Ivan Miles, known to his high school buddiers as 'Butch' and I were fraternity brothers in the high shool fraternity Delta Phi Kappa. I always admired Butch and thought of him as a hero. I wrote the following poem for my grandson whose high school chum died with cancer after graduation:I pray this poem will grant you some comfort. Death of a Loved One Grief is overwhelming when a loved one dies. We turn our faces upward with tears forming in our eyes. 'Oh, God, why did this good person's life end this day, When you allow evil persons upon our earth to stay?' This eternal question shows man's foolishly short vision, And our fickle forgetfulness of Christ's grand provision. A little boy once asked his mother, 'What's it like to die'? She thought a moment before she gave her well-thought-out reply. 'Son do you remember when you fell asleep on Grandma's rug , And you woke up the next morning in your own bed all safe and snug ? Well, your Daddy picked you up in his arms with loving care, He carried you home and tucked you in with your cuddly Teddy Bear. Son, dying is a lot like falling asleep at Grandma's house, you see, Except that Jesus comes to take you home with Him for all eternity. ' This mother's simple explanation to her little son, Tells the story of the victory that Jesus Christ has won. We can all take comfort in the knowledge of His act of love, And rejoice that we will one day see our loved ones up above. by Joe Bosch, A tiny, well-pruned twig grafted onto His vine.

- Joseph Bosch, Robert, LA

It has been a little over 6 months since Milo died and I miss him so much but I know he is in Heaven because the children and I witnessed him going there.When we got to the Hospice house with Milo, I expected it would be a few days before I lost him but 30 minutes after we arrived I saw the motteling traveling up his face. I looked at the nurse and asked if he was dying and she shook her head yes. I cried out to my 3 girls to call the boys that daddy is dying now. As they all started crying and calling their brothers to hurry, I ran to Milo and held him in my arms kissing him all over his head and face begging him not go to Heaven yet. Wait on your boys. I didn't know if he could hear me but he must have because his face started turning pink instead of gray and his breathing got better, he waited until the boys arrived, 20 minutes later.They all rushed into the room crying 'daddy we're here' Milo opened his eyes looked at each of the children, then straight ahead, his feet started moving and he cried out mama and as he expired his last breath. He was my soul mate for 49 years. I love you, Milo.

- Gloria Crawford Fortson, Richmond Hill, GA

Looking back I see how my daddy ,Milo Fortson, slipped away from us in phases. This process, though painful, allowed the grief to come a little at the time which now I see as a great blessing. Having all eight of us with him as he wrestled with the final task of leaving this earthly domain was indeed another gift from above. Of course it was hard for us all to witness but it felt as if we were joining together in the laborious way that daddy's soul was being torn away from that body that we all knew so well. The love that flowed through that circle of Fortsons that surrounded our wonderful father's dying form was so strong that surely it must have accompanied him up into that eternal abode. I'll never forget how mom rushed to thank dad for all the memories she could list, instance by instance, as our sobs carried her along with death more and more eminent. We were all showering him with kisses and I didn't want to let go of his hand that I was kissing. Noticing how my hands, as a smaller version, so resembled daddy's hands that I wouldn't have to keep studying that hand so intently so as not to forget what they look like. I need only to look at my own hands, as I often do, to have a living memory to comfort me until I too get to go home where he is waiting. Smiling. Can't wait to hold your hand again daddy, Rene

- Rene Fortson Sheahan, Cobbtown, GA

Dear Gloria & family, I know how much you will miss and treasure your memories of Milo. Gloria I remember when we met Milo and his buddy Wayne. They were so much fun. Thats how I will remember Milo. Be strong and God Bless you all. Ida

- Ida Morrissey Herb, Perry, GA

Dear Gloria, We are so sorry for your loss, I will always remember Milo for his humor and appreciate his service to his country, and his dedication to his family. God bless and keep ya'll til we are reunited in heaven. Love ya. John Barrett

- John & Sharon Taylor & Family, DeSoto, MO

Gloria, Jim and I send our condolences. I will never forget how happy you and Milo were after your wedding. Your lives have been happy and full of love. My prayers are with you and your family. Mary Distefano Hayes

- Mary Cocke Hayes, Simpsonville, SC

Dear Gloria, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. We were happy to have known Milo.

- Kitten and Buck Buckhaults, Savannah, GA

Dear Gay and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Olive

- olive davis, atlantic beach, FL

DEAR GLORIA------YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. LAURA

- Laura Jaugstetter, Savannah, GA

Dear Gloria and Family I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. You are all in my prayers. Please try to come to our next class function. I would love to see you. Angela

- Angela Weimar Orrel, Fleming Island, FL

Although I did not know you very well, you were very reassuring, helpful and friendly always, and especially on the occasions of the passing of my parents. Thank you and may you enjoy eternal life.

- Patrick Bell, Pawleys Island, SC

DAVE AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW SORRY WE ARE FOR YOUR LOSS. DAVE WAS SO GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE MILO ON ST. PAT'S. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU LOVE BARBARA & DAVE

- DAVE & BARBARA BORMES, PINELAND, SC

Always liked Milo.

- Neil &Rosemary Krikorian, Brewster, MA

So sorry to hear about your Dad passing. You are in my prayers.

- Laura Cocke, Savannah, GA

Dearest Gloria and family members, my heartfelt condolences to you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

- Ginnie McGarvey James, Brunswick, GA

Its been a little over 4 years and I came across this by accident. I read the messages and relived that sad day. All of the kids were there as dad left this world and went on to the next. We all delt with his passing our own ways and have moved on flourishing in our own lives. We all have wonderful families. As I look back at that day I realize how precious it was that we as a family watched dad pass on. It gave us closure and allowed us to morn dads death in peace. Although it was hard to see, in retrospect I'm glad I did. Moms doing well as we new she would. She's the matriarch and is the glue that's holds us all together. Always offering to help all 6 kids in every way possible. Sometimes to a fault. lol I'm so honored to have had such an amazing father and mother to teach me how to be the man of my house but also how to love unconditionally even when every things are not perfect. My memories of dad are so clear and his legacy lives on through his children. He was a great dad that taught his children the value of integrity and respect. He will live on in us for generations to come. Thank you dad for all you did. your son Tim

- Tim Fortson, richmond hill, GA

I served with Milo in Korea in '79 and '80. He was an outstanding soldier and a good friend. I am going to miss him.

- Robert Beres, Columbia, MD

Your father, Ivan Miles, known to his high school buddiers as 'Butch' and I were fraternity brothers in the high shool fraternity Delta Phi Kappa. I always admired Butch and thought of him as a hero. I wrote the following poem for my grandson whose high school chum died with cancer after graduation:I pray this poem will grant you some comfort. Death of a Loved One Grief is overwhelming when a loved one dies. We turn our faces upward with tears forming in our eyes. 'Oh, God, why did this good person's life end this day, When you allow evil persons upon our earth to stay?' This eternal question shows man's foolishly short vision, And our fickle forgetfulness of Christ's grand provision. A little boy once asked his mother, 'What's it like to die'? She thought a moment before she gave her well-thought-out reply. 'Son do you remember when you fell asleep on Grandma's rug , And you woke up the next morning in your own bed all safe and snug ? Well, your Daddy picked you up in his arms with loving care, He carried you home and tucked you in with your cuddly Teddy Bear. Son, dying is a lot like falling asleep at Grandma's house, you see, Except that Jesus comes to take you home with Him for all eternity. ' This mother's simple explanation to her little son, Tells the story of the victory that Jesus Christ has won. We can all take comfort in the knowledge of His act of love, And rejoice that we will one day see our loved ones up above. by Joe Bosch, A tiny, well-pruned twig grafted onto His vine.

- Joseph Bosch, Robert, LA

It has been a little over 6 months since Milo died and I miss him so much but I know he is in Heaven because the children and I witnessed him going there.When we got to the Hospice house with Milo, I expected it would be a few days before I lost him but 30 minutes after we arrived I saw the motteling traveling up his face. I looked at the nurse and asked if he was dying and she shook her head yes. I cried out to my 3 girls to call the boys that daddy is dying now. As they all started crying and calling their brothers to hurry, I ran to Milo and held him in my arms kissing him all over his head and face begging him not go to Heaven yet. Wait on your boys. I didn't know if he could hear me but he must have because his face started turning pink instead of gray and his breathing got better, he waited until the boys arrived, 20 minutes later.They all rushed into the room crying 'daddy we're here' Milo opened his eyes looked at each of the children, then straight ahead, his feet started moving and he cried out mama and as he expired his last breath. He was my soul mate for 49 years. I love you, Milo.

- Gloria Crawford Fortson, Richmond Hill, GA

Looking back I see how my daddy ,Milo Fortson, slipped away from us in phases. This process, though painful, allowed the grief to come a little at the time which now I see as a great blessing. Having all eight of us with him as he wrestled with the final task of leaving this earthly domain was indeed another gift from above. Of course it was hard for us all to witness but it felt as if we were joining together in the laborious way that daddy's soul was being torn away from that body that we all knew so well. The love that flowed through that circle of Fortsons that surrounded our wonderful father's dying form was so strong that surely it must have accompanied him up into that eternal abode. I'll never forget how mom rushed to thank dad for all the memories she could list, instance by instance, as our sobs carried her along with death more and more eminent. We were all showering him with kisses and I didn't want to let go of his hand that I was kissing. Noticing how my hands, as a smaller version, so resembled daddy's hands that I wouldn't have to keep studying that hand so intently so as not to forget what they look like. I need only to look at my own hands, as I often do, to have a living memory to comfort me until I too get to go home where he is waiting. Smiling. Can't wait to hold your hand again daddy, Rene

- Rene Fortson Sheahan, Cobbtown, GA

Dear Gloria & family, I know how much you will miss and treasure your memories of Milo. Gloria I remember when we met Milo and his buddy Wayne. They were so much fun. Thats how I will remember Milo. Be strong and God Bless you all. Ida

- Ida Morrissey Herb, Perry, GA

Dear Gloria, We are so sorry for your loss, I will always remember Milo for his humor and appreciate his service to his country, and his dedication to his family. God bless and keep ya'll til we are reunited in heaven. Love ya. John Barrett

- John & Sharon Taylor & Family, DeSoto, MO

Gloria, Jim and I send our condolences. I will never forget how happy you and Milo were after your wedding. Your lives have been happy and full of love. My prayers are with you and your family. Mary Distefano Hayes

- Mary Cocke Hayes, Simpsonville, SC

Dear Gloria, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. We were happy to have known Milo.

- Kitten and Buck Buckhaults, Savannah, GA

Dear Gay and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Olive

- olive davis, atlantic beach, FL

DEAR GLORIA------YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. LAURA

- Laura Jaugstetter, Savannah, GA

Dear Gloria and Family I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. You are all in my prayers. Please try to come to our next class function. I would love to see you. Angela

- Angela Weimar Orrel, Fleming Island, FL

Although I did not know you very well, you were very reassuring, helpful and friendly always, and especially on the occasions of the passing of my parents. Thank you and may you enjoy eternal life.

- Patrick Bell, Pawleys Island, SC

DAVE AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW SORRY WE ARE FOR YOUR LOSS. DAVE WAS SO GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE MILO ON ST. PAT'S. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU LOVE BARBARA & DAVE

- DAVE & BARBARA BORMES, PINELAND, SC

Always liked Milo.

- Neil &Rosemary Krikorian, Brewster, MA

So sorry to hear about your Dad passing. You are in my prayers.

- Laura Cocke, Savannah, GA

Dearest Gloria and family members, my heartfelt condolences to you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

- Ginnie McGarvey James, Brunswick, GA