Andrew Fortson was born September 19, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Clara Daniels and Andrew Lewis. He departed this life June 3, 2017 at Providence Northeast Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Andrew was a graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland, and later from the Indiana Vocational Technical Institute with a degree in Human Relations. His enlistment in the United States Army afforded him a military career that spanned the globe, including a tour of duty in Vietnam and other countries. He retired honorably after 20 years of dedicated service. Andrew continued his public service as a 13-year employee of the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1996.

He lived his life as a devoted husband of 50 years to Gloria Fortson, proud father of eight children, as well as grandfather and great-grandfather. His family and friends were fortunate to hear his stories and observe his example.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Lois Lee and Carrie Battles, and his brother, Lewis Battles.

Loved and respected by all he encountered, Andrew will be remembered and survived in memory by his wife, Gloria Fortson; his children, Andrew Jr., Daryl, David, Dwayne (Mary), and Ronald (Penny) Fortson, Jenene (Anthony) Rudolph and Andrea (Jon) Gaines; his stepdaughter, Marshalette Tolliver; a treasured niece, Josephine Yarborough; more than 30 grandchildren and over 30 great-grandchildren; and other loving family and dear friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.