Gene was born July 27, 1930 in Lufkin, Texas to M.E. Porter, Sr. and Marby Beard Porter. The family later moved to Jacksonville, Texas where Gene ran track and boxed before graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1948. In 1952, Gene was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years. In 1957, he went to work at HB&T Railroad, where he worked for 38 years. While working for the railroad, Gene met and married Sarah Farris (nee Bundy).
Gene was a devout Christian who loved the friends he met through his church, Watters Road Church of Christ. He particularly enjoyed Monday breakfast with the "Watters Road Mafia': Richard Hooper, Gene Stone, Bobby Hooper, Walter Eggers, David Burt, Charlie Braswell, Jim Kelly, Carl Olson, Don Spradling, J.R. Hunt, J.L. Guillory, Blas Gomez, Wallace Stewart, Jay Brock, Jack Knight, Martin Lemke, Barry Day, and Charles Davis. When he could no longer attend church services in person, Gene insisted he have breakfast early so that he could watch the services. He felt privileged to have baptized his nephews, Ed and Cliff. Gene was also an avid golfer, often playing with his friend, Harvey Huffman. He continued playing until age and illness stopped his game. He was one of those grandfathers who always showed up in the stands for his grandchildren's sports.
Gene was a kind and easy-going man who never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he found a friend.
Gene was preceded in death by his father Gene, mother Marby, and his sisters Dixie Franklin, Marilyn Harris, and Doris Lewis. Also preceding him were his son Gregory Farris, daughter Deana Farris, and grandchildren Christopher and Nathan Porter. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sarah, his son Wayne (Kate) Porter, his brother Dale (Pam) Porter, his brother-in-law David Harris, seven grandchildren twelve great grandchildren, his special nephews Ed and Cliff McClain, his special niece Mary Harris, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
