Bernard Porter ,Sr.

Elmer “Bernard” Porter, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Medical City in Arlington, Texas, on May 29, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on December 17, 1929, in Pelham, Texas, Bernard was the cherished son of Elmer O. Porter and Jimmie Sweeney Porter. Bernard is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Alva Jean Blair Porter, who stood by his side through decades of love and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful family, which includes their children: Elmer Bernard Porter, Jr., Bruce Wilburn Porter and wife Carrie, Sheryl Porter Hicks, and William Ralph Porter and wife Pam. He was a proud grandfather to Nicole Porter, Nicholas Porter, April White and husband Terrance, Candace Briggs, Sidney Hicks, Jr., Christopher Hicks, Lauren Crawford and husband Quentin, and Ryan Porter and wife Caitlin. Bernard's legacy also extends to his great-grandchildren: Paul Porter, Neiman Porter, Nixon Porter, Isaiah White, Grace White, Elise White, Cason Briggs, Cameron Porter, and Landon Porter. He was blessed by a special nephew Michael Porter Heiskell and wife Anita, as well as several other beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Cecilia Heiskell, Darlene Holloway, and Elayne Robinson, and an infant brother, Wilburn Porter. Bernard's life was marked by his profound love for ranching and farming, passions that kept him closely connected to the land and his heritage. He instilled in his family and others the importance of being good stewards of the land. Inspired by his ancestors, Bernard worked tirelessly to maintain his family’s ranch heritage and pass on this legacy to future generations of Porters. Bernard enjoyed hunting and barbecuing, often sharing these activities with family and friends. He was a wonderful storyteller, renowned for his captivating tales about family history and community heritage, which will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 7th, from 5pm to 7pm at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral services to honor Bernard's life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Pelham, Texas, on Saturday, June 8th, at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Johnnie Kirven officiating. Burial will follow at P3 Porter Family Ranch Cemetery Elmer “Bernard” Porter, Sr. will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his stories, his love, and his enduring legacy. In lieu of flowers please donate to either of the two charities: Pelham Community Cemetery Fund c/o Mrs. Yvonne Weaver 22720 FM 744 Hubbard, Texas 76648 Pelham Community History Museum c/o John Jefferson, Jr. 22375 FM 744 Hubbard, Texas 76648

Bernard Porter ,Sr.

December 17, 1929 - May 29, 2024