It gives us much sorrow, to announce that our good friend Billy Fortner of Ballground, Georgia has gone to heaven, leaving behind his beloved and very loved wife Kathy Fortner. It is hard to write up our feelings of admiration for Billy. Many of us were at his funeral where Ralph Casey spoke of their friendship and shared a part of his life that others may not have known about.
Billy and Kathy were one of the very first we met back in 1990 when the farriers got together to form the BWFA and then again, the FNRC. Together, they were part of those who put their hands and business knowledge to work to “build the actual buildings.” They own and operate their own electrical company, B & R Electric. Working hard for a living with his son, William, and a crew, they were in the thick of progress all around them with the tremendous growth in Canton, Marietta north of Atlanta areas. But, not too busy, to help plan, execute and enjoy the results of events held by the BWFA at the FNRC.
Kathy heads up our NEHRF as the President. An animal lover herself, is what brought she and Billy to us. Their story is, the BWA published a simple booklet for horse owners, “Why Horse Owners Should use Certified Horseshoers and Why!” They were distributed by fellow farriers and owners. One was at a produce market in Canton, where Kathy picked it up and immediately called us that day. Finding out there was an actual location where she could take her horse for a free evaluation, she was here the very next day with Billy. Her infamous pet, Cisco, was a rather large quarter horse with a problem walking.
We talked to them, and immediately made friends. They left him over for 5 days. When they returned, Cisco came running to them. Kathy was so happy, she cried that made all of us cry with joy. Billy was so impressed with how we explained what we did, he wanted to be part of our new venture of building the only Farriers’ National Research Center owned by caring horse owners and farriers.
In return for their contributions of materials, labor and just caring, the farrier Instructors and students traveled 80 miles round trip every 6-8 weeks to trim, shoe and care for Kathy’s many horses through the years from 1990 until December 2019, as a return favor for their dedication. A lot of BWFA farriers visited their place and were always met with cheerful smiles, a tour around and well wishes in their new farrier careers. That would be about 2,000 students in 33 years! Who can say that?
Billy and Kathy were never controversial in their views of the farrier industry. Always having a positive attitude which encouraged so many more horse owners, farriers’ spouses, etc. to join us for a good educational time. They designed and maintained the beautiful Hall of Fame room at the FNRC. Billy and Kathy Fortner and 12 others were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 in appreciation to their commitments for a better farrier industry.
Billy said, “I do this because it makes my wife happy. She loves her animals and that makes me happy.”
All of us who knew Billy, celebrate his life, give our thoughts of sympathy and caring out to Kathy, his son and family. He was obviously loved by all who attended his funeral services and followed the long line of cars to his resting place, passing by their beautiful horse farm where his friend was holding his favorite horse at the front gate to give his last goodbye, which was chilling. On a more personal note, Billy was almost age 76. At the age of 60, he was saved and baptized at a small church near his home which is where he was laid to rest. His friends and neighbors knew him best as someone always with a smile and just happy about life and especially about finding God. He is in heaven. We loved him. We love you Kathy, and what a great friendship we had and will continue to have.
Submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors of the BWFA, FNRC, NEHRF and BWFA farriers everywhere
Ralph, Ginger and Link Casey
Please feel free to reach out to Kathy Fortner at fortner@mindspring.com