Larry Neil Portis

1959 - 2010

Larry Neil Portis 1959 - 2010 On November 16, 1959 in Bakersfield, CA, Larry Neil Portis, a treasured soldier of the Lord was born. He was the seventh child born to Guy Noland Portis and Hattie Lee Portis. Larry attended local schools such as Fremont Elementary School, Lincoln Jr. High School, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield College. Pastor Jerry Delaney baptized Larry at McKee Road Baptist Church. Larry was a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Tyree Toliver, where he attended for several years. In 2009, Larry joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, Tyree D. Toliver, Pastor; where he continued to worship Jesus Christ and be taught God's Holy Word. In 2004 Larry was diagnosed with cancer. With many hospital visits he never complained. He was one of the strongest men you could ever meet. He never doubted that the Lord would heal his body. He was a dedicated father and husband until the end. He loved his family with all of his heart. On Thursday October 21, 2010, Larry was called home. He's preceded in death by parents, Guy and Hattie Portis and brothers, Bud Portis and LeRoy Portis. Family and friends will truly miss him. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Regina Portis and daughter, Paige Portis; mother-in-law, Doris Dixon; and his special children, Arnetra, Felicia, and Harold; his sisters, Dorothy Bonner of Bakersfield, Terri Portis of Bakersfield and Jean Portis of Fresno, CA, Brenda Noland of Battle Creek, MI; five brothers, Curtis Abair, Johnnie Portis, George Portis of Bakersfield, Guy Portis of Battle Creek, MI, and Ted Portis of Flint, MI. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation is Thursday, Oct. 28, from 1-7 p.m., with Meditation Hour from 6-7 p.m., at Jesse E. Cooley Funeral Home, 1100 Chester Ave., 93301. Funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 29, 10:00 a.m., at Church of Christ, 1416 Wilson Road, Bakersfield CA. www.bakersfield.com/obits