Gary Ray Porter

Gary Ray Porter, of Decatur, passed away on July 27, 2024. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Roselawn Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 3:00 pm in the chapel at Roselawn Funeral Home with Eric Albright officiating.

Gary is survived by his son Chuck (Amanda) Porter, sister-in-law Billie (Alan) Fuller, and their daughter Hollie. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Shelford Porter, his parents, Charles and Betty Porter, and sister-in-law, Leigh Ann Shelford.

Gary was born on February 19, 1951, in Decatur to Charles and Betty Porter. Gary and Elizabeth were married on June 15, 1974. After high school, Gary attended Jacksonville State University before joining the United States Navy, where he served as an aviation rescue swimmer. After leaving the Navy, Gary served as a Police Officer for the City of Decatur before serving the city as a firefighter. Gary also worked on the board of directors for the Morgan County Fairgrounds, serving as the chairman for a time.

During his retirement, Gary enjoyed traveling with Elizabeth and his family and working on projects around everyone’s house.