Sgt. First Class Elijah Porter Jr.

Mr. Elijah Porter, Jr., affectionately known by many as "Stink," transitioned to his heavenly home December 31, 2025. Born on July 26, 1932, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Elijah Porter, Sr. and Hattie Howard Porter.

A graduate of Nash County Public Schools, Elijah was baptized at a young age at Foster Memorial Baptist Church. He maintained his spiritual connection throughout his life, carrying his faith with him through every assignment during his distinguished military career.

Elijah dedicated 25 years of service to the United States Army (1949–1974), retiring as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, his service included two tours in Vietnam, one in Korea, one in Germany, and one in France. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Exemplary Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, two Vietnam War Conflict Medals, and the Korean War Conflict Medal.

Prior to his military retirement, Elijah and his family settled in Newport News, Virginia, in 1969. After retirement, he began a second career as a longshoreman, serving for 20 years with the Newport News Local 846. He was deeply involved in his community as a member of the Newport News American Legion Post 368, the Association of Regular Army Sergeants, and the Fort Eustis Non-Commissioned Officer's Club. He was also a Charter Member of Lifeline Full Gospel Church Baptist, where he served as a trustee and sang with the Mighty Sons of Faith, and a Charter Member of the Denbigh Military Retirees Club.

Elijah was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Lorraine Williams Porter (d. 2002). In 2006, he reconnected with and married his high school sweetheart, Ernestine Roundtree Porter. In his later years, he received devoted, full-time care in the home of his daughter Andrea and son-in-law Robert, where he enjoyed "better care than any facility could provide".

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ernestine Porter; his children, Andrea Porter Alston (Robert) and Ronald Miller, Sr.; his siblings, Willie Porter (Marie) and Earl Porter (Victoria); brother-in-law Raymond Williams, Sr. (Tina) and sisters-in-law Dr. Katherine Causey, Georgia Williams and Yvonna Williams; and bonus daughters Robyn Davis, Coretha Clark (Donell), and Darchina Dunston (Bobby). He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Ronald Miller, Jr. (Kristi), Robert Miller (Katina), Rhonda Baldwin (Ray), Melanie LoConte (Giuseppe), Nicole Zanagar (Timur), Christin Pfeiffer (Paul), Robynn Mitchell, Isaiah Alston (Whitney), and DeFondra Johnson. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brothers Johnnie, James, and Robert Porter, and his sisters Mamie Smith, Hattie Porter, and Dorothy Toon.

Porter's life was a profound testimony of his faith in Christ, strength in character and love for his family and those he called friend. Yes, he has answered the Master's call, yet his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant. . . .enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." - Matthew 25:21

It is the desire of the Porter family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Sgt. First Class (Ret.) Elijah Porter, Jr. has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

Full obituary and service information to follow soon.