Gilbert H. Porter

Gilbert (Gil) retired from the US Navy, having served on the USS Protector AGR-11, USS Observation Island, EAG, Inshore Underwater Warfare Vietnam river boats, USS Albany CG-10, Phoenix Reserve Center, USS Sampson DDG-10, Memphis TN, and USS Vrelland FFG-1068; serving a second tour on the USS Sampson DDG-10 which he always referred to as his home ship, SIMA Mayport. After his military retirement he worked in Civil Service as a Crane Operator at Mayport Naval Base.

An active Mason, Gil was a member of Arlington Lodge #309, 32nd degree Mason in both the York Rite bodies and the Scottish Rites. He served in the Knights Templar, The Chapter, The Council, and the Tall Cedars. He also served as President of the National Sojourners Northeast Florida Chapter #435 (May 2012-May 2013). His tireless work and dedication were highly respected by his fellow Masons.

Gil was also active as a member of the RC Flying Club, the Jacksonville Trap & Skeet Club and HAM Radio. He spent countless hours in his garage workshop crafting beautiful pieces of art, or just "chillin" in his antique barber chair.

He remained a faithful friend of Bill W. sharing his experience strength and hope for, coincidentally, exactly 30 years on the date of Gil's passing.

Predeceased by his father, Gilbert F. Porter, he is survived by his wife, Caroline; sons Raymond Porter of Orlando, FL, Gilbert Porter, Jr. and wife Lisa, of Colorado Springs, CO; stepson Christopher Pyne, Fayetteville, NC, stepdaughters KellyJean Pyne, Alexandria, VA, Shannon Parsons (John) Jacksonville, FL, Nicole Guzzi (Joe) Uniontown, OH and Thelma Kunz of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his mother, Irma (Kneller) Porter of Farmington NM; brothers Jim Porter (Judy) of Tempe, AZ and Kenny (Rosie) of Austin, TX and his sister Janet Thomas (Steve) of Farmington, NM; and 13 grandchildren.

His family, patriotic service in the U.S. Navy, dedicated commitment to the Free and Accepted Mason's and pride in his many comrades and close friends were accomplishments for which he was most proud.

A memorial service is to be held, 10:30AM, May 2nd at the York Rite Temple (1237 S. McDuff Avenue) with reception following. Inurnment of Gilbert Porter will take place Monday, May 05, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors. Attendees are asked to allow for ample travel time to arrive by 8:45 am as not to miss his final farewell. The address for the cemetery is 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in Gil's memory to their favorite charity or to Wolfson's Children's Hospital.

Those wishing to send condolences to Gil's Guest Book may do so by visiting the website for Hardage-Giddens, St. John's Bluff, location (www.hardage-giddenschapel-hills.com).