Billy N Fortune

Mr. Billy N. Fortune of Newport departed this life on Monday, June 13, 2016, at the age of 84. He was born October 5, 1931, in Newport to Robert Fortune and Grace (Jarvis) Fortune. Mr. Fortune spent his growing up years in Newport and was a 1949 graduate of Newport High School. Following high school, Mr. Fortune attended the University of Arkansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1953. Mr. Billy N. Fortune married Miss Nita Hagar on November 15, 1953. The couple made their home in Little Rock where Mr. Fortune was a Kroger trainee from 1953 to 1954. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 serving until 1956. During his time in the Army the couple lived in Indianapolis, Indiana and Columbia, South Carolina. After completing his service in the U.S. Army, Mr. Fortune accepted a position as Manager of the Kroger Store in Little Rock. He then received a transfer back to his hometown to manage the Newport Kroger, where he worked from 1957 to 1958. Together Mr. and Mrs. Fortune entered the hotel business in 1958, and over the years their hotel has been known as the American Motel, TraveLodge, Park Inn, and Fortune Inn and Suites. The Fortune's have hosted hundreds of thousands of travelers over their family's fifty-eight years in business. Mr. Fortune remained active in the hotel business and served as President of Fortune Inns, Inc. until his death. He also served as President of the Arkansas Hotel Association in 1981. Mr. Fortune was the recipient of the Gold Key Award in 1981, this honor being the highest honor awarded by the Arkansas Hotel Association. He was also elected to the Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall of Fame in 1997. Mr. Fortune served as a Board Member for the Association of Park Inns International. Mr. Fortune was an active member of the community. He was a member and past Vice-President of the Newport Chamber of Commerce and a member and past President of the Newport Rotary Club and was named as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. Mr. Fortune also served on the Board of the Farmers Electric Cooperative since 1968. Mr. Fortune will forever be remembered for his devotion and great love for his family, his undeniably strong work ethic, and his desire to make Jackson County a great place to call home. Mr. Fortune was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nita Hagar Fortune and three brothers, Bobby Fortune, Boyce Fortune, and Ray Fortune. He is survived by two sons, Jeff Fortune and wife, Jo, of Newport and Stan Fortune of Newport; three grandchildren, Jessica Fortune of Fayetteville, Jon David Fortune of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Blaine Fortune of Newport and one step-grandson, Chase Curtis of Jonesboro. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends. A Celebration Honoring the Life of Mr. Billy N. Fortune will be held Thursday, June 16, 2016, from 5 p.m. to 7: p.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to ASUN Student Emergency Fund, 7648 Victory Boulevard, Newport, Arkansas 72112 or the Jackson County Humane Society, P.O. Box154, Newport, Arkansas 72112. To sign the online guest register, leave a message of condolence, or light a memorial candle, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com.