Thomas Buchanan Porterfield II

1938 - 2024

Thomas Buchanan Porterfield II

Thomas Buchanan Porterfield II, affectionately known as "Tito", passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024. Born on January 3, 1938, he was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Miller Porterfield, Sr. and Agnes Bell Porterfield; his wife, Rita Stanley Porterfield; and daughter-in-law, Carrie Ames Blincoe.

Tom was born in Saltville, VA, and grew up in the small Southwest Virginia town of Glade Spring. He lived on a cattle farm and spent his childhood riding horses, milking cows, driving tractors and rolling down hills. He graduated from Glade Spring High School as both Class President and Captain of the football team. After high school, he attended and graduated "cum laude" from Hampden-Sydney College in 1959. After one year at the University of Virginia for graduate studies, he enlisted in the Army. He received a direct commission as an officer and served his country for four years, released from service as a First Lieutenant in 1964. After Tom left the army, he worked for Exxon Mobile in various Senior Marketing and finance positions for 30 years. After retirement from Exxon, he continued his work in the petroleum industry with local Richmond company, Woodfin Oil.

Tom loved the beach and his two late cavalier king charles spaniels, Sailor and Scotlyn. He had a great affinity for all things Scottish, the Baltimore Orioles, the Boston Red Sox, the Washington Commanders, the UVA Cavaliers, a good cigar and a great book. He had big eyes and a bigger heart. If you ever sent Tom a card or a letter, he probably saved it. He was secretly sentimental and in his last few months wore his heart on his sleeve. While he struggled with clear speech after his stroke, he never struggled to let those around him know how much he loved and appreciated them.

Tom's greatest passion was the family that he built. He is survived by his two adoring daughters, Elizabeth Kent Porterfield Duffey and Ann Porterfield McLaughlin; as well as his two bonus children, Kelly Page Blincoe and Drew Aaron Blincoe. He is also survived by his two son-in-laws, Peter Duffey and Jason McLaughlin. Tom is also survived by his younger brother, Sonny Porterfield; nephew, Stuart Porterfield; niece, Betsy Porterfield; as well as numerous Bell and Porterfield cousins.

Tom would want to tell you that he is most proud of his seven grandchildren, Eleanor "Ellie" Buchanan Duffey, Elizabeth Clair Duffey, Reilly Thomas McLaughlin, Tyler John McLaughlin, Lane Maren McLaughlin, Nora Blincoe and Joshua Blincoe. They were the lights of his life. His favorite thing to hear from his grandchildren was "I love you, Tito."

The family would like to thank the staff of Lakewood West End for the care and love they showed to Tom over the last three years, and especially the last four months.

The family will receive friends and family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Bliley's Funeral Home, 2801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond. A celebration of life will be held at St. James's Episcopal Church, 1205 W. Franklin Street, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 14, 2024. A private burial will take place in Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Thomas B. Porterfield II to the Carver Literacy Fund through the Richmond Kiwanis Club. Tom was a member of the Kiwanis club and spent time reading in the Richmond Public Schools. He believed in what the power of a good book could do for the soul.