Daniel Kirkwood Fordice 1960-2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, III departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 66.

Dan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 20, 1960, to his parents Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, Jr. and Patricia Louise Owens. A 1978 graduate of St. Aloysius High School, and a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, Dan was commissioned as a US Army Second Lieutenant on active duty and later joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving for a total of 13 years. He spent half of his military career as an Engineer and the other half serving in the 2nd 20th Special Forces Unit having attained the rank of Captain.

In 2023, Dan retired as Vice President of his family’s fourth generation Fordice Construction Co. A natural leader, Dan served as the only second-generation National President in the history of the Associated General Contractors of America from 2022-2023, which speaks to how much he valued continuing family legacy and building community. He inspired a sense of adventure and fidelity in his family and chosen family, bringing everyone together anywhere from skiing the slopes to diving the depths of the ocean, completing every experience by inviting everyone to his table, cooking a meal, and leading all in prayer.

On the National Board of Directors of the Commemorative Air Force, he shared his love of history, planes, and honoring veterans with an international community. He was honored to fly the lead, original C-47 bomber “That’s All Brother” for the transatlantic route on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He was an active pilot with over 5,000 hours, primarily flying WWII and older aircraft. Beyond the joy he took in flight, his love for aviation was rooted in a deep reverence and love for honoring those who flew these planes to protect our greatest freedoms. Out of this mission, Dan became the founder of two nonprofit foundations, Southern Heritage Air Foundation and Warrior Bonfire Program. A gifted storyteller, many favorite tales came out of the days he spent encouraging, serving, and laughing with the extended family he formed through these organizations. Known for his love of leading prayer in community, Dan was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, having served on the Parish Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Claire Roesch Fordice and his three children, Nathan Fordice (Sara) of St. Francisville, LA; Alaina Fordice of Edgewater, MD; and Erin Fordice of Springdale, AR; his two grandchildren, Mary Claire Barton and John Fisher Barton; his sister, Angie Jordan (Bob); his brothers, Hunter Fordice (Sallie), and Dr. Jim Fordice (Sarina) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, May 18th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Tuesday, May 19th, at 10:30 am. at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Rusty Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Tim Day, Bill Fulcher, Paul Banchetti, Todd Roberts, Stephen Gambrell, Mike Foss, Allen Brewer, and Duke DeLuca. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Fordham, Steve Gustafson, Rickey Palermo, Mike Ginter, Larry Lumpkin, Jeff Cornell, Don Neiters, Tommy Lofton, Ben Cook, Jeff Shoaf, Mike Mayeaux, Bruce Odom, Mike Mekus, and Michael Reidy.

The family is deeply grateful for any donations, especially to the Warrior Bonfire Program and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Veteran Support Program.

“Some men go out quietly; others go out to the sound of a Merlin.”