Samuel Ray Porter

Sam is predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Mildred Porter. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gay Porter; daughter, Taresa Porter; son, Christopher Porter; granddaughters, Sydney Porter and Cora Porter; grandsons, Wyatt Unruh and Sammy Unruh; siblings, Roger Porter, Bobby Porter, Ann Porter, Jimmy Porter and his wife, Chickie Porter, George Porter and sister-in-law, Cheryl Carter as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including Rusty Rougeou who flew 1500 miles to help the family through this process.

Sam was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. He worked as an Automotive Body Technician and Mechanic for most of his work life. He worked at Beach Ford and Checkered Flag among others. He also worked Civil Service for PWC at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana before retiring. If it had to do with an automobile, he could fix it.

He was a Vietnam Veteran which miraculously led him to the love of his life, Gay Porter, while coming home from the war. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary a month before his passing.

Sam was most proud of his grandchildren and did everything he could to spend time with them as his health began to decline. He loved to fish, ride his Harley Davidson Trike, drive his Dodge Ram and cook. In the last few years, he was teaching himself numerous new recipes and experimenting with spices. He went though many hardships and losses in his life which affected how he interacted with people. He worked so hard in the last half of his life to become a better and more patient person. Sam loved his grandchildren above all else and paid special attention to the needs of his autistic grandsons. He was still the King of Sarcasm yet with a nicer slant. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him.