Kingdon G. Porter

1921 - 2012

Kingdon G. Porter

Kingdon Gamaliel Porter, age 91, better know as King, died Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Humboldt.

King was born on February 3, 1921 to the late Ira (Boss) and Katherine (Mama Kate) Harris Porter of Coxville. He was one of 10 children.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Hardin Porter; son, Joe Brent Porter and wife Susan; daughter, Laurie Porter Brewer and husband Tim. He was blessed with 4 grandchildren, Casey Porter Eison and husband Dereck, Kelli Porter Utley and husband Kyle, Julie Brewer Dawson and husband Bran, Will Brewer, and 2 great-grandsons, Max Utley and Mase Utley. He is also survived by 4 sisters, Annie Laurie James, Ida Mae Feldman, Erie Kate McCord, Edwina Bunch and 1 brother, Dr. Nathan Porter.

He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, James Hollis Porter, Dr. Ira Porter, Wayne Porter and Dr. Huey Porter.

King graduated from Alamo High School in 1938 and University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942 and was stationed at Clark Air Force Base on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. He served as a bombardier for three and a half years. He returned home where he resumed farming in the Coxville Community and in 1953, he and Dorothy married. In 1955, King was elected as a State Representative. He served 2 terms in the State House and in 1960 on the day his daughter Laurie was born, he was elected as State Senator, serving one term. He was the last person from Crockett County to have been elected to either position. In 1965, he also served in the Tennessee Constitutional Convention.

King resumed farming full time and farmed strawberries, cotton, soybeans, and even raised cattle and hogs. He was very dedicated to his family. They loved to spend time together by going on many camping trips and getaways. He was an avid baseball fan. In later years, King and his wife Dorothy became season ticket holders for the Jackson Diamond Jaxx. While attending most home games, many special friendships developed over the years. He was a member of Cox's Chapel Church of Christ serving in many different roles, and for over 50 years, he served as overseerer of the cemetery. He later attended Gadsden Church of Christ when the two churches merged.

A special "Thank you" to his caregivers at Bells Assisted Living and The Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Humboldt, for their loving care and devotion shown to our loved one.

Visitation with his family will be held Wednesday, December 5th from 5 to 8 p.m., and the Celebration of his life will be Thursday, December 6th at 10 a.m., at Ronk Funeral Home in Alamo. Burial will follow at Cox's Chapel Cemetery in Coxville.

Family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Cox's Chapel Cemetery Fund in care of Steve James, 2307 Salem Road, Humboldt, TN 38343; or Brent Porter, 6070 Highway 152, Humboldt, TN 38343; or the charity of your choice.

Ronk Funeral Home, (731) 696-5555.