Jesse Ryan Fortner

On Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, Jesse Ryan Fortner, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 46. Jesse was born on August 29,1973 in Columbia, South Carolina, to Michael and Kathy Fortner. He spent most of his childhood in Orlando, Florida. There, he competed in the speech and debate club, won MVP in soccer, and received his International Baccalaureate diploma from Winter Park High School in 1991. He received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Rollins College, Class of 1995. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee as a young adult, working to help others find help for their addictions and mental health diagnoses. In Nashville, he could often be found coaching and playing soccer and as the radio personality "DJ Jazzy Jesse." He had a passion for music and spontaneous rapping. He loved to make muffins, chili, and smoothies for his friends and family. He had a huge heart and was always there to help someone in need. He is survived by his mother, Kathy Fortner, his younger sisters, Molly Fortner and Rose Le, and his younger brother, Jacob Fortner. We will miss him dearly. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. A funeral service will be held, Friday, December 20, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Chapel at Hankins & Whittington. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jesse's family friends' foundation to help develop programs for young adults with mental illness: www:joshshopefoundation.org. Please click on the link "Donate in Memory of Jesse." It would mean a lot to us to help others like Jesse. Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.