Gary L. Porter

Gary L. Porter, 76, of Akron, went to be with the Lord on February 24, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores "Sissy" Porter; parents, James and Velma Porter; and siblings, Karen, Becky, Alan, Sarah, and Lee Anna. He will be dearly missed by his children, Trevor J. Porter (Gabriella), Erin E. Porter-Krieg (Kevin), Nathaniel A. Porter, and Seth A. Porter; and grandchildren, Alexander Porter, Colin Porter, Cooper Krieg, Kensey Krieg, and Rose Porter. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Russell-Fox and 3 stepchildren and their families.

Gary was born in Bellaire, Ohio in 1947 to James and Velma Porter. He was the 2nd of 7 children. As a child he had an affinity for nature and loved playing in the woods, riding his bicycle to and fro all across his hometown, even frequently crossing the bridge over the Ohio river into West Virginia.

Gary was football star for Bellaire High School and was very proud of his hometown.

He spent 2 years In the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era, 1966-1968.

He was the only member of his immediate family that achieved a college degree. He graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Business degree in 1984.

He had many jobs throughout his life. He worked on a sawmill with his father growing up. He briefly worked as a coal miner. He had been employed in a steel mill. He was a Realtor. He was an arborist; climbing, trimming and removing trees as a young man. He was truck driver who drove from one end of the U.S. to the other. He also worked on houses and fixed rental properties. In his later years he worked for Giant Eagle and retired from there in 2014.

Gary was a Christian all his life and tried to spread the Gospel message every chance he got. He loved his family and was a kind soul. His family is comforted in the fact that he now dwells in Heaven.
Gary was very creative. He played the guitar and wrote poetry:

Dark's the night
Yet I see
Trusting the Spirit
That carries me

In this darkness
Dwells no fear
For the Spirit
Guards me here

In ordained darkness
Rest is mine
The Spirit grants
Sweet peace sublime

When darkness breaks
To morning's light
I'll leave behind
The darkest night

- Gary L. Porter October 27, 2014

A cemetery service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, Ohio. Friends and family may meet at the cemetery entrance at 2:00 p.m.
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