William Porter King

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William Porter King, 88, retired professor and longtime resident of Columbia, died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Poplar Estates.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at West 7th Street Church of Christ.  Burial will follow at Worley Cemetery in the Hampshire community of Maury County.  The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home and at the church Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of the service. The service will be available live on West 7th Street Church of Christ’s Facebook page. Memorials may be made to West 7th Street Church of Christ, 405 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401.  Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.  

He was a native of Henry County, Tennessee and the son of the late William Travis King and the late Elsie Larue Sturdivant King.  He was a graduate of Buchanan High School in 1953, received an MA from Murray State, an MA, EdS, and PhD from Peabody College at Vanderbilt.  On June 28, 1958, he married Judith “Judy” Pogue, and she preceded him in death on November 1, 2014. He taught in Illinois and at Whitthorne Junior High in Columbia before teaching at Freed-Hardeman University and Trevecca University. He also worked for the Tennessee State Department of Education for six years.  Porter also made several trips to China working with educators.  He loved hiking and the outdoors, and for many years, he was a volunteer at Maury Regional Medical Center.  He was a member of West 7th Street Church of Christ where he taught Sunday school classes for many years and served as a Deacon.  

Survivors include his children, Jeff King (Janet) of Columbia, Angeline Gaddy of Murfreesboro, Beth Swanson (Kris) of Medina, Washington and Kirk King of Columbia; twelve grandchildren, Patrick King, Evan King, Clara King, Wren (Nick) Chenoweth-Gaddy, Allie Swanson, Kit Swanson, Will Swanson, Caroline Swanson, Whittney King, Bradley King, Callie Campbell (Matt), and Caleb King;  three great grandchildren; three sisters, Gene Townley, Anna Lipps (Jimmy), and Hinda Simpson; and a sister-in-law, Carnice White.

In addition to his parents and his wife of 56 years, he was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Thompson, and many other dear friends and family members.