Bill Fortner, age 59 of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell and under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted with the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be designated to PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) in Grinnell and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared online with Bill's family at www.smithfh.com. Billy Joe Fortner was born on July 13, 1961 in Grinnell, Iowa to George and Eva (Asberry) Fortner. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell schools. Bill dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was mechanically inclined and spent countless hours working on cars, especially his 1966 Chevy Impala. He took great pride in his work as a heavy equipment operator while working for Manatt's in recent years. His enjoyments were listening to music, drawing, and making art posters. He will be remembered for the strong love of his family, his special love of animals and his dog, Bug, and for being a very generous, kind-hearted man. Bill is survived by his mother, Eva Fortner of Grinnell; his brothers, Danny Fortner and Harold (Mariann) Fortner, both of Grinnell; his stepson, Cory (Carissa) Townsend of Grinnell and their children, Emma, Braxton, Hailey Jo, and Zaine; niece, Jennifer Fortner of Grinnell; and nephews, Todd Fortner and Jeremy Fortner. He was preceded in death by his father; and infant brother, Scott Fortner.