Rodney Fortenberry

Rodney Fortenberry, III, 68, of Pampa, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Amarillo.

Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Jeremy Buck, pastor of Redeemer Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. The funeral service will be livestreamed through the funeral home’s website.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 PM.

Rodney was born June 19, 1956 in Columbia, Mississippi to R.E. and Hilda Fortenberry. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1974 and went on to attend Pearl River Community College. While he was at college, he joined the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and made lifelong friendships.

Rodney moved to Pampa in 1979 and began his work career with Haliburton. He worked there for 15 years as a dedicated and hard worker. His strong work ethic stayed with him as he changed careers with BNSF. Rodney retired in 2017 after 20 years. He always provided for his family and made sure they had what they needed.

On June 12, 1982, he married the love of his life, Sherri Eggleston, in Pampa. They would have celebrated 43 years of marriage in the middle of June. Rodney was a nurturer and a caretaker, not only for his immediate family but his extended family. He treated his nieces and nephews like they were his own. Rodney and Sherri would make all the events whether it was baseball, softball, dance recitals, it didn’t matter, they did not want to miss anything. His calming demeaner made it easy for his friends and family to come to him if they had questions or problems. Rodney loved deeply and unconditionally. He enjoyed spending time with his son, Jareth, working out at the gym and studying investment and financial strategies with Colden. He would adapt and learn about his family and friends’ interests, so he could connect with them. It might be studying their favorite NBA team or learning about Rap music, it didn’t matter, he was interested in it to have that special connection.

Rodney enjoyed tinkering with guns and knives. He felt everyone needed a knife, so he made sure to make that happen. He had a love for music, especially the Blues, Rodney was an avid harmonica player. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

His big smile and hugs will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his bonus parents, George and Carol Eggleston.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri of the home; two sons, Jareth Fortenberry and Colden Fortenberry both of Pampa; sister-in-law, Debbie Dixon and husband Robert of Pampa; nieces, Lindsey Wall and husband Dustin, Jessie Dixon, and Bailey Dixon all of Amarillo; nephews, Robbie Dixon and wife Amber of Amarillo, Gavin Eggleston and wife Julie of Midland, Georgia, and Garrett Eggleston and wife Lindsey of Amarillo; great nieces, Aubree Wall, Berklee Wall, Joy Eggleston, Henley Dixon, Hannah Dixon, Elsie Eggleston, and Evie Eggleston; great nephew, Gunner Eggleston; aunt, Lina Fortenberry; brother-in-law, Glen Eggleston; cousins, Hal Fortenberry and wife Joyce and Kathy Bryant and husband Mike; his favorite dog, Shiloh; lifelong friends, Maurice Gates, Jerry McCarthy, Kerry Lefan, and Paula White; and numerous cousins and extended family and friends.

Memorials can be sent to a favorite charity.