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William Porter
1936 - 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Celebration Of Life
Dec. 5, 2025
11:00 a.m.
God's Acre Salem Moravian Cemetery at Home Moravian Church
Send FlowersWilliam Porter Obituary
If you knew Bill, you knew a gregarious, friendly man who could strike up a conversation with anyone and instantly put them at ease. His natural charm made him a gifted networker and served him well throughout his long career in sales across several industries. He loved sports-especially ACC football and basketball, the Atlanta Braves, and the Carolina Panthers-and he had a lifelong passion for tennis. Bill also enjoyed sharing meals with friends and family at his local favorites, where he was greeted with hugs and smiles. Saturday breakfasts at Duke's with his son, Bill Jr., Mike Pollard, and his close circle became a treasured ritual - he was doted on by many of the waitstaff. True to his energetic spirit, he loved to travel and was planning new adventures right up until his final days.
Born June 27, 1936, in Burlington, NC, Bill was the son of Robert and Peggy Porter. He proudly graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in Virginia and from Elon College in 1958. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, wives Jane and Emily, son Bill Jr, and daughter Lee Ann Lennon. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Teresa Porter, and stepdaughters, Wendi (Greg) Loraine and Heather (Chris) Craddock, grandson Xander Porter, granddaughter Grace (Cody) Padgett, great-granddaughter Paige Padgett (who loved to dance for him to make him smile and it worked, well into his final days) and step-grandchildren Madison McLeod, Lorelei Loraine, Tanner McLeod, Violet Loraine, Jayden McLeod, and Zoey Loraine.
Bill's memory will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at God's Acre Salem Moravian Cemetery at Home Moravian Church, 529 S Church St, Winston-Salem, in the columbarium, where his cremated remains will be laid to his eternal rest. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be canceled. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem.
Memorial Events
for William Porter
Memories and Condolences
for William Porter
7 Entries
Chuck Windham
Yesterday
Bill, we are going to miss you so much! You were the king of networking and one of my best friends. We had so many good time´s together and you were standing with me at my wedding . Lisa and I loved you and Emily so much! I always knew you had my back . RIP and I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day at the next networking event! Love you Brother !
Barry A Eisenberg
December 1, 2025
Lived next to Bill and Jane and the kids in the mid "70's. Great friend and neighbor. Regarding his love for tennis, I recall he had a key to the WFU indoor tennis center because he would play at 6:00 am most mornings.
Quite a guy in every way.
Alison Huber
December 1, 2025
I had known Bill for many years through GMA and BIG. He was the king of networking, and our groups were never the same without him. It was wonderful that he had two loves of his life and got to enjoy long walks and tennis. He will be missed dearly!
Tammy Sizemore
November 30, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I always enjoy his great sense of humor. He was such a devoted husband to Emily and he loved his family. So strong in his faith. Sending prayers for his Family.
Nancy Reavis
November 30, 2025
I met Bill at church. I was Methodist and Bill was Moravian. I called him my Moravian cousin. He was always kind and thoughtful. He will be one more dear friend who will meet me when I reach my final home.
John C Staley
November 30, 2025
He and his late first wife treated me like family. He was a kind and special person. Godspeed!
TERRI SETHNA
November 30, 2025
Had the pleasure of working for Bill and Jane many years ago. Such a small world we live in...I would see Bill again at Grace and Cody´s wedding after finding out Grace was his granddaughter! It was so nice to see him again and catch up. Sending my condolences to all who knew and loved Bill.
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