Robert L Fordham Jr, age 86 passed away after a brief illness at Southern Manor Senior Living, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of Georgia Hospice.
Born on September 13, 1938, in Hopulikit, Georgia, Robert was the eldest son of Lester and Bertis Fordham seven children. He graduated from Portal High School in 1958 before attending Hughes Vocational School in Macon, where he studied to become a barber. In his early years, he worked at Fordham’s Barber Shop alongside his Uncle Wiley Fordham. However, Robert’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful businessman, owning and operating Bulloch Stockyard, Fordham Construction and EZ Storage Mini Warehouses for many years. He also co-owned Bulloch Seed Processing until his retirement.
A true outdoorsman, Robert found great joy in God’s creation. He loved farming, raising livestock, and managing the timberlands on his farm above Portal. He took great joy in identifying native plants, wild flowers and bird watching. Whether on a tractor, backhoe, or bulldozer, he embraced the hard work of tending his land. He often marveled at the beauty of the full moon, the American flag, and the Holy Bible—symbols that deeply resonated with him.
In 2009, Robert suffered a major stroke, but his resilience and determination never wavered. With remarkable strength and perseverance, he worked tirelessly to rehabilitate himself, and within months, he was walking again with the aid of a cane. His unwavering spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Robert grew up attending Upper Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church and, in his adult years, attended both Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church and Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church. On December 5, 1976, he made his profession of faith and was baptized, a commitment that remained a cornerstone of his life. He rarely missed a church service until the past three years when his health declined. Even then, while residing at Southern Manor Senior Living, he faithfully attended weekly worship services this past year.
In June of 1961, Robert married the love of his life, Jean, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in hard work, love, and devotion to their family. Their 63-year marriage was blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Robert was a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a steadfast provider.
As “Granddaddy Robert,” he took great pride in his grandchildren, actively supporting them in all of their life’s activities. He was a great source of love, strength, and encouragement. He loved each of them deeply and experienced great joy when they shared time together. A devoted brother, Robert cherished the time spent with his siblings and found immense joy in their close bond.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bertis Fordham; his brothers, Von and Wayne Fordham; his infant grandson, Jesse Patrick Fordham; his son, William Brian Fordham; and most recently, his beloved wife of 63 years, Jean L. Fordham.
He is survived by his children, Jessica (Stanley) Brown and Bo (Melana) Fordham, as well as his loving daughter-in-law, Leslie Fordham. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Meghan (Clay) McCullough, Joseph (Brooke) Brown, Rhett, Aidan, and Liam Fordham, Connor (Tara) Fordham, and Neal Fordham; and his great-grandchildren, Rowan and Landry McCullough and Brycen Brown. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Keel, Mary Rucker, and Sara Waters; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Janice Fordham; his sister-in-law, Sissy Fordham; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Ralph Cowart and the entire staff at Southern Manor Senior Living for their exceptional care and kindness throughout Robert’s time there. A special thank you is also given to Georgia Hospice for their compassionate care during his final days.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Rhett Fordham, Joseph Fordham Brown, Clay McCullough, Connor Fordham, Neal Fordham, Airman Aidan Fordham, and Liam Fordham, along with his first cousin, Jeru Minick.
A visitation service will be held on Wednesday, March 12 from 10:00 to11:00 AM, followed by the funeral in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Elder John Scott and Elder Randy Waters officiating. A private burial will follow at Upper Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church with Pastor and son, Bo Fordham presiding.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com .
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.