Lt. Col. Farris D. Fortner, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), age 85, of Benton, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2010. He was born March 12, 1925, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Paul and Fay Fortner. Farris was a graduate of North Little Rock High School and Eastern Oregon College. During his service in the U.S Air Force, he was awarded many medals including, the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, the Korean War Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon. As a fighter pilot, he flew over 100 combat missions in Korea. Farris was also a veteran of the Air National Guard 154th Tac Recon Sq. LRAFB. Following his military service, Farris was a private pilot for T.J. Raney & Sons and Stephens Investment Inc. He piloted the "Angel One", Arkansas Children's Hospital's first air transport system for critically ill infants and children. He also piloted an airplane in the dedication ceremonies of the Geyers Ferry Dam and War Memorial Stadium. Farrris was Past-President of the Tanglewood Property Owners Association and was a founder and Past-President of Indian Springs Baptist Church XYZ Ministry.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris Jean Moseley Fortner; one great grandchild, Riley Daniel Moore; and brother, Aaron Fortner. Survivors include three daughters, Jeanne Sykes, Nancy Sligh, and Darlene Bouillion (Steve); seven grandchildren, Dr. Jeffery Sykes (Sarah), John David Sykes (Sheri), Jason Sykes (Tanna), Kale Sligh, Trey Moore, Jeremy Moore (Tiffany), and Chad Moore; and seven great grandchildren, Jared Sykes, Joel Sykes, Jonathan Sykes, Peyton Sykes, Noah Moore, Bryce Moore, and Dakota Moore.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander (501-455-1067). Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

Published November 23, 2010