Ray Porter was everywhere. To his 13 children, he was everywhere they needed him to be; whether it was dentists appointments; attending seemingly all of the kids sporting events; teaching the kids the art of lawn care or washing cars; traveling to church services; weekly buffet dinners at Ponderosa; taking (mom) his wife of 44 years to shop; dropping the kids at summer camps; moving kids into college; driving long distances to military graduations; celebrating grandkids; even when the kids were taking on new jobs, being appointed to new roles, or making big speeches – Ray Porter was everywhere and you always knew that he was there.
Later in life, Ray’s kids began to take him everywhere. Road trips to Troy Alabama, Myrtle Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Virginia, New York, and Indiana. He would travel for his son’s bachelor’s parties, to see sporting events, to attend a family event, or simply to have a relaxing vacation. Ray would often remind his kids just how proud he was of their character, their numerous professional accomplishments, and most of all for being a close-knit God-fearing family. His family was truly his pride and joy.
Ray was committed and worked for more than 40 years at a steel factory in Alliance. Eventually, he worked his way into a supervisor role and managed to bring several of his college attending sons on board for well-paying summer jobs. Ray was Past Master of the Prince Hall Masonic Mount Olive Lodge 66 and led a multitude of community improvement events. Ray was a member of Temple of Faith Church and later Resurrection Power Church in Columbus, Ohio.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ella Louise Porter; his parents, Jesse Lee Porter and Leola B. Porter; his brother, Robert Lee Porter, and one sister, Grace Porter.
Ray leaves to cherish and uphold his legacy of labor, love, and sacrifice his children Frank (Kristy), Corey (Monica), Travis (Jennifer), Edward (Keshia), Andre (Erica), Phoebe, Katherine (Michael), Talisha, Taylor (Fauzia), Emily (Robert), Cormelia “Nina”, Laiven (Kara), and Serena (Aundrey). He is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers James and Kenneth Porter; and sister Ola Green; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His siblings remember him fondly for being a great brother that at times felt like having a second father in the home. Although he wasn’t the eldest of the group, he proved to be dependable and willing to help no matter what the situation might be.
The family will provide an opportunity for thecommunity, friends and family to attend calling hours between 5:00-7:00 p.m. onJanuary 3, 2021. Considering the nature of Covid-19 and its seriousness, theevent will be structured to maximize safety with social distancing andmandatory mask wearing. The calling hours will be held at Temple of FaithChurch of God in Christ located at 1221 E. Patterson Avenue, Alliance, Ohio44601. The calling hours will be available for online viewing on January 3 at5pm. A celebration of life will also be available for online viewing January 4at 12noon. Cards, flowers and condolences can be sent to SommervilleFuneral Home, 1695 Diagonal Road, Akron, Ohio 44320. Virtual services can befound at https://sommervillefuneralservice.com/
In recognition of Ray’s lifelong passion for children,especially fostering and adoption services, the family has established the OhioGap Closers Foundation and asks that contributions be made in honor of Ray.This organization was established after the passing of Ray’s wife, Ella LouisePorter and works to help children in foster care improve academicoutcomes. To make contributions, pleasevisit http://ohiogapclosers.com/#close-gap