Terry Porter was born May 11, 1963 in Sullivan Missouri. He passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Kristi Porter, his three sons and daughters-in law, Tad and Katelyn, Jacob and Kayla, and Trent and Kayla. He also leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren, Wyatt, Emmett, and Drew, three adoring brothers, Tommy (Pam), Todd (Michele) and Timmy (Donna) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Jeneane Porter.
To know Terry was to have a friend. He was a gentle giant and was rarely seen without a smile on his face. He never met a stranger and always excelled at making those around him feel comfortable and safe. Terry gave his time and talents to anyone in need.
Terry was extremely proud of his family. Despite his accomplishments, the only thing he would boast to others about was his family.
Terry gave many years of his life to the Lone Oak athletic programs. He started out working with the little league football program in the early 2000s when his oldest sons, Tad and Jacob began to play. His final year of coaching the little league program was when his youngest son, Trent, moved onto the middle school program. During this time, Terry was a positive role model to countless children. He had a way of knowing exactly which buttons he needed to push and what he needed to say to help steer kids in the right direction. He was a father figure to many more people than just his own children. He showed many people that they had value and potential. He truly made this town, and this world, a better place.
When Terry wasn’t spending time with his family, you could often find him with his wife at Rolling Hills country club either playing golf or spending time with friends that he cherished. Terry’s love and friendship had a way of making his friends feel like a part of his family. He especially valued his friends at RHCC once his children left home. They provided him companionship that helped lessen the sting of no longer having his boys with him at home.
Terry had one of the kindest hearts of anyone around. Terry spent countless hours at Broadway United Methodist Church helping others however he could. He helped to lead prayer groups, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, cooked meals, and gave of himself in any way he was called to. He helped ignite many people’s passion to serve God and to serve others.
Terry loved animals. The Porter household always had multiple pets. Typically, the pets were strays that Terry either found or helped to rehome. During his final year of life, Terry decided that their home was far too empty and went to pick out one dog from a local animal shelter. He left with two dogs because he couldn’t bear the thought of splitting up a pair of puppies in a kennel together. He showed kindness to every being he met.
Terry truly was a titan among men though he would never accept that praise. He exemplified hard work, dedication, selflessness, and love. His family counts themselves lucky and blessed to have had as much time with him as they did. They know what an incredible human being he was. Terry lived a bright and extraordinary life. His memory will live on through the lessons he taught his boys and so many others.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Friday, July 12, 2024 at Broadway United Methodist Church with Rev. Justin Ramer, Rev. Greg Waldrup and Rev. David Comperry officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
The family requests that those attending the visitation and memorial service, wear bright colored clothing.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Missing Bella, PO Box 585, Paducah 42002.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
