Roy Hilton Porter Sr.

Roy Hilton Porter Sr. transitioned to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 10, 2024.  He was born on April 10, 1929, in Cottondale, FL, to the late Frozena Pope Porter and Emory Porter. 

Roy was a graduate of Jackson County Training School, class of 1949, where he was Senior Class Vice President, Co-Captain of the Basketball team and the 49 Pantherenian Circulating Manager.  He attended Florida A&M University on a basketball scholarship. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Tank Division in Germany and National Guard 1951-1956. 

Roy worked for the West Florida Telephone Company/Contel/Centel (now Verizon) for almost 50 years as a cable splicer and supervisor.   After his retirement, he continued his passion for farming and antique vehicles.

On January 8, 1952, Roy married his high school sweetheart and fellow basketball player, Rhoda Leonard, and celebrated 33 years of marriage until her transition on February 23, 1985. 

Roy was baptized at Henshaw Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.  He lived his life as a humble servant of the Lord.

Roy is survived by his children, Ronnie Porter (Pensacola, FL), Malcolm Porter  and his wife Forristine (Largo, FL), James Barnes and his wife LaRhonda (Marianna, FL), Roy Porter Jr. (Orlando, FL) and Sheila Porter (Clearwater, FL) and son-in-law, Howard Brown (Indiantown, FL).

His closest friends include his sisters, Iola “Tot” Rivers Bell, Lillie Mae “Teanie” Porter and best friend and neighbor, Jenny Gammons. 

His sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Leonard and Kate Long. 

His nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, one great, great grandson and one Godson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

His children Gilbert Porter and Helen Porter Brown and his siblings Robert Porter, Helen Godwin and Eddie Porter preceded him in death.