Elmo Ray Porter

1946 - 2026

Elmo Ray "Pud" Porter, a cherished soul known for his courageous spirit and loving heart, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 29, 1946, in New Albany, MS, Ray was a man whose life was as rich and fruitful as the gardens he tenderly cultivated each year.

Ray proudly served our nation in the Army during the Vietnam War, a testament to his adventurous nature and bravery. Following his military service, he embarked on a career as a truck driver for Riverside Traffic Systems, where he was a respected member of the team until his well-deserved retirement.

His love for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. Whether he was sitting under the shade tree, tending to his renowned garden and pea-patch. In his younger years Ray had a passion for riding bulls in the rodeo, fishing, hunting, or running dogs. Ray embraced life with enthusiasm.

Above all else, Ray was a family man. His love for his wife, Arlene, was the kind of adoration that others aspire to, a love that only grew stronger with each passing year. He is survived by his beloved mother, Cordelia Garrison Porter; his devoted wife, Arlene Malone Porter; his loving children, Sharon Floyd (Tim) and Jody Porter (Bridgett); his caring siblings, Sue Shackleford (Lanny), Betty Porter, and Kelly Porter; his treasured grandchildren, Shanna Daniel, Jenna Cook, Molly Porter, Madison Bennett, Mason Porter, Skyler Floyd, and Spencer Floyd; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Bentley McGreger, Wes Cook, Nia Floyd, Ezra Floyd, and John Decklyn Floyd. He is preceded in death by his father, Elmo Nathaniel Porter.

Services to honor Rays life will be on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00am. With Bro. William Carpenter and Dr. Jeff Lawrence officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday evening from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Friday from 10-11:00am all at United Funeral Service. Burial will be at Enterprise Cemetery