Chief Master Sergeant Retired, John "Bob" Robert Fortson, age 79, of Anderson, SC passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home. Born July 31, 1937 in Abbeville County, SC, he was a son to the late David Columbus Fortson and the late Lottie Denny Fortson. John grew up in Greenwood, SC and was a graduate of Greenwood High School. He served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. Chief Fortson was stationed at the following bases during his career; Westover AFB, MA, (two tours) Castle AFB, CA, Utapao, Thailand, Loring AFB, ME, Pease AFB, NH and Hickam AFB, HI (two tours). During the Vietnam era he spent a total of two and a half years in Okinawa, Guam and Thailand. Immediately upon his retirement at Hickam AFB, HI he began work as a civilian, managing a maintenance contract on the flight line for another 15 years. He loved the Air Force and he loved people. His long career in aircraft maintenance afforded him the opportunity to meet people from around the world. He was a loving husband and father and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his Wife, Sally Walker Fortson; children, Susan Palmer (Ammon) of Anderson, SC, Teresa Oswondel (David) of Colorado Springs, CO, John David Fortson of Phoenix, AZ and Steven Drury Fortson (fiancee', Maria Blevins) also of Eloy, Arizona; brothers, Carol Fortson of Seneca, SC and Jerry Fortson of Greenwood, SC; six grandchildren, Ashley Abbott-Palmer, Joshua Palmer, Noah Palmer, Abby Cortel, Stephanie Fortson and Mikayla Oswondel. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, David Fortson, Jr. and James "Kenny" Fortson. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local humane society. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. The McDougald Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Anderson, SC.