Warren "Burkes" Fortune

Warren “Burkes” Fortune (87), of Oak Ridge Virginia, was called home on February 5, 2024. 

Burkes was known throughout the community both professionally and through different civic activities during his active life. In addition to a long tenure at Central Virginia Electric Cooperative where he worked in Management Information Systems, he also worked for Joe Lee McClellan as a technician for Nelson Cable and DirectTV post retirement. Burkes was also an entrepreneur. He served his community as a small business owner selling and repairing appliances from his Lovingston based business. Burkes was also an insurance agent for People’s Life Insurance covering Nelson and parts of Albermarle counties. 

Burkes served his community through civic activities as he was involved in his church, Calvary Baptist as Deacon; in the Nelson Chapter of Lions Club as President and member; as voting machine technician for Nelson Electoral Board. 

Burkes was most well known for his love of baseball and softball. As a player, Burkes was known for his ability as a first baseman to catch any ball thrown to first due to his range and amazing glove work. As a coach, Burkes coached little league teams in Nelson and Amherst long beyond his own children playing for him as coach. As a spectator, he has been known to have encouraged referees to make better calls, respectfully of course.

Beyond all of the activities, titles, clubs Burkes cared deeply for his family and friends. He was a kind and giving soul who was passionate about his grandchildren, his community, and his church. 

Burkes is survived by his two sons Daniel and his wife Clara, Charles and his wife Darci; grandchildren Amanda (Emanuel), Matthew (Ashley), Grace, and Brayden; and great grandchildren Rylie, Jayce, Harper and Mattis.

 Burkes is predeceased in death by his wife Jane Goodwin Fortune and his parents Warren and Mary Fortune. 

The Fortune family would like to thank the team at Emily Couric Cancer Center for extending the life and quality of life to our dad after a late stage lung cancer diagnosis in May of 2022. The family requests that anyone who wishes to give a gift or donation please consider giving to the Emily Couric Cancer Center at the University of Virginia to help advance cancer research and treatment within our Community. Please see the links below for two ways to give:

For friends or family who would prefer to send a gift by check, the mailing address and instructions are below:

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to support Thoracic Research at the UVA Cancer Center.

Checks can be made payable to “UVA Cancer Center”, noting Thoracic Research Gifts (21299) and “Dr. Ryan Gentzler” in the memo line, and mail to:

UVA Health

P.O. Box 37963

Boone, Iowa 50037

If donors prefer to give online: please have them visit UVA’s Giving Page and search for Thoracic Research Gifts (21299) in the Designations field, and please include “Warren Burkes Fortune” name in the “in memory of” field.

The family would also like to thank Centra Hospice of Lynchburg and Visiting Angels of Charlottesville for their support during our Dad’s final months from the comfort and familiarity of his home. 

Finally, the family would like to thank everyone from the community who came to visit and bring food during his past few months. When you bless one of us you bless all of us. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church 8408 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, Virginia 22949 with Pastor John Campbell officiating.

Interment will follow in the Mountain Cove Cemetery in Lovingston.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).