Dennis Wayne Fortenberry, 74, of Bassfield, passed away Sunday, Jan.12, 2020, at Forrest General Hospital. A mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, Jan.16, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield followed by burial in St. James Cemetery.

Mr. Fortenberry was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church Bassfield. He was a graduate of Bassfield High School and was named Mr. BHS in 1963.

He was a graduate of Pearl River Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University, where he received his Master’s Degree.

He was a member and judge for the American Quarter Horse and Mississippi Quarter Horse Associations and was a member of the Mississippi High School Sports Association.

He was Jefferson Davis County Superintendent of Education from 2000-2007. He sold insurance for Saulters-Moore Funeral Home. He was an avid horseman, a Mississippi educator, a pilot, an auctioneer, a farrier, and a sports official. He also served on the Board of Directors at PRCC.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Nell Davis Fortenberry; his parents, Dennis and Jewel Fortenberry; one brother, Marion Fortenberry and one brother-in-law, David Carraway.

He is survived by nine children: Vicky (Paul) Terrell of Mandeville, Louisiana; Ricky (Jackie) Davis of Bogalusa, Louisiana; Scott Davis of Bogalusa, Louisiana; Valerie (Mark) Sanders of Hattiesburg; Michelle (Michael) Offutt of Prentiss; Mark (Colleen) Davis of Abita Springs, Louisiana; Colette (Bo) Foster of Purvis; Bobby (Rose) Davis of Bassfield; and Christy (John) Wilson of Purvis; one sister, Joanne Carraway of Hattiesburg; 27 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

A Rosary was held Wednesday, Jan.15, 2020, at 5 p.m. with visitation immediately following from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the church.