Obituary for Nathaniel Lee Forniss
Nathaniel Lee Forniss celebrated his 99th birthday 3 weeks ago. He was born November 13, 1919 to the late Ida Henderson Forniss and the late Richard Forniss in Mobile, AL.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Young. They enjoyed 75
years of marriage and to that union eight (8) children were born.
He dedicated his life to Christ at a very early age. He was a faithful member for many years at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, AL and served in good standing as a Deacon for many years. All who knew him, knew he was a proud member of the church’s male choir, of which he often spoke in high regard of his beloved choir. He loved singing so much that to the pleasure of all, he would often break into impromptu songs and could find a song to fit any and all occasions.
Nathaniel lived his life to the words of his favorite song, “May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me”. He was a man that wanted his “works” to become his legacy. He was a man of many talents and great knowledge. He humbly shared this with any and everybody who needed or sought his help. He most often offered his assistance before being asked. He did these deeds out of love, never asking for any payment. He proudly made sure the Church yard and cemetery were cut whenever he cut his own lawn.
Nathaniel never met a stranger. He loved to talk and would engage in conversation with anyone who would listen. He had an outstanding memory and could tell facts about places, events and people that he experienced starting from the age of 2. Remarkably he possessed this gift until the day of his transition.
As a young man, Nathaniel worked many jobs to support his family. He was hired by Alabama Power and was recognized as one of the company’s most dedicated workers. He was the company’s first minority foreman. After 30 plus years of service he retired.
Nathaniel was truly a man of God, loved all, and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed. He leaves to cherish his memory eight (8) children: Betsy (Leslie) Williams, Richard (Evelyn) Forniss, Gloria (Silas) Turner, Leon (Beatrice) Forniss, Mozella Forniss, Lomorris Forniss, Ruth (Benjamin) Peters, and Carolyn (Larry) Palmer; eighteen (18) grandchildren; twenty-six (28) great-grandchildren; and three (3) great-great-grandchildren.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Young. They enjoyed 75
years of marriage and to that union eight (8) children were born.
He dedicated his life to Christ at a very early age. He was a faithful member for many years at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, AL and served in good standing as a Deacon for many years. All who knew him, knew he was a proud member of the church’s male choir, of which he often spoke in high regard of his beloved choir. He loved singing so much that to the pleasure of all, he would often break into impromptu songs and could find a song to fit any and all occasions.
Nathaniel lived his life to the words of his favorite song, “May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me”. He was a man that wanted his “works” to become his legacy. He was a man of many talents and great knowledge. He humbly shared this with any and everybody who needed or sought his help. He most often offered his assistance before being asked. He did these deeds out of love, never asking for any payment. He proudly made sure the Church yard and cemetery were cut whenever he cut his own lawn.
Nathaniel never met a stranger. He loved to talk and would engage in conversation with anyone who would listen. He had an outstanding memory and could tell facts about places, events and people that he experienced starting from the age of 2. Remarkably he possessed this gift until the day of his transition.
As a young man, Nathaniel worked many jobs to support his family. He was hired by Alabama Power and was recognized as one of the company’s most dedicated workers. He was the company’s first minority foreman. After 30 plus years of service he retired.
Nathaniel was truly a man of God, loved all, and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed. He leaves to cherish his memory eight (8) children: Betsy (Leslie) Williams, Richard (Evelyn) Forniss, Gloria (Silas) Turner, Leon (Beatrice) Forniss, Mozella Forniss, Lomorris Forniss, Ruth (Benjamin) Peters, and Carolyn (Larry) Palmer; eighteen (18) grandchildren; twenty-six (28) great-grandchildren; and three (3) great-great-grandchildren.