John Wilton Fort Sr., 85, of Cope, SC departed this world for his heavenly home on April 17, 2026. John was born on April 9, 1941 in Norway, SC and was a lifelong resident of Orangeburg County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Fort and Lessie Young Fort, his siblings, Helena Hutton, Maxine Bates and Billy Fort Sr., his wife Sue Carol Whetstone Fort and his son John Wilton (Witt) Fort, Jr. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and caregiver, Branndon (Brandi) Fort Wood (Tallion), his bonus daughter Nikki Bearden, grandchildren Nikki Fort, Nancy Fort and Brantlie Taylor Mundo (Adan), great grandchildren, Kali Floyd, Aleah Floyd, A’jay Floyd, Rowan Mundo and Sawyer Mundo along with other extended family members and friends.

John worked for John Deere for over 20 years and Sunbeam for almost 40 years before retiring at the age of 78. He was an avid deer hunter who always spent deer season in a stand doing what he loved best in his free time. He also enjoyed watching the Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball games and his Soap Operas. He was always being silly and cutting up when the kids, nieces and nephews were growing up, providing plenty of entertainment and laughter. He taught many of his nieces and nephews how to drive on old dirt roads down in the country and what a fun time that was for the kids. If he has an audience to entertain in heaven, we are sure he is singing his Poison Ivy song and doing his silly dance.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, 1012 Whitman Street.  Entombment will follow at Bamberg Memory Gardens, 14836 Heritage Highway, Bamberg.  Rev. Shannon Contreras will be officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 prior to the funeral service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Tallinn Wood, Adan Munro, C.J. Woods, Tyler Woods, Cody Wood, Billy Fort, Jr., Johnny Bearden and Hunter Logan.

Memorials in Mr. Fort’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.