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To all who knew him, Lee was a presence—vivid and unmistakable.

Albert “Lee-Lee” Fortner Jr. born on June 24, 1979, in New Orleans, Louisiana, left us all too soon on June 24, 2026, in his beloved hometown. Lee's presence in both New Orleans and Knoxville, Tennessee, shaped a life filled with rich experiences.

In the earliest days, Lee-Lee was the adorable red-haired boy whose smile warmed our hearts.   He was goofy, and fun-loving, with a fiery temper. 

Lee’s love for old Mustangs was as classic and steadfast as his commitment to family.  He had a soft spot for pitbulls, drawn perhaps to their resilience, loyalty, and warmth.

Among the legacy Lee leaves is a tightly knit family who loved him. His memory will be treasured by his father Albert Fortner, sister Teresa Fortner Hammond, sister Lacey Whaley and brother-in-law George Smith , as well as10 nieces/nephews, aunts ,uncles and many cousins.

The family circle is touched by loss, remembering also his mother, Peggy Joy Fortner, and brother, Michael McGinnis, whom went before him. 

To all who knew him, Lee was a presence—vivid and unmistakable. We will always cherish the good memories and revel in the stories of the past.

Though we mourn deeply, the essence of “Lee-Lee” lives on in the hearts of those he loved. His memory will endure—every time we see an old Mustang, laugh about a goofy joke, or embrace a loyal pitbull, we will think of him and smile.

Lee Bird—your story is not forgotten, and your spirit remains with us, always.