Wayne Porter

Donald Wayne Porter, 78, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Born on May 26, 1947, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Donald and Polly Porter, Wayne lived a life full of strength, adventure, and deep devotion to those around him.

Wayne was raised in Tuscaloosa, where he developed a lifelong love of sports and made memories that would shape the man he became. A highlight of his high school years was a trip to the White House—an honor he cherished. In 1966, he made his way to Texas with his friend Louis Howton to work in the oilfields of Channelview. It was there he met the love of his life, Shirley, and the two married in 1970, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 52 years.

After marrying, Wayne found his passion in painting and construction. He poured his heart into his work and eventually founded Porter Paint Contracting, a business that reflected his integrity and unmatched work ethic. He eventually retired from Shirley & Sons Construction Co. But more than anything, Wayne was a family man. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving daddy, a beloved Pops, a loyal brother, and a true friend.

Wayne lived life on his own terms—honest, fearless, and always open to new adventures. He loved hunting and fishing, and he never turned down the chance to enjoy a good meal. A man’s man with a strong faith in the Lord, Wayne was a pillar of strength for his family. He had a way of letting you know exactly where you stood—always fair, always true. To know Wayne was to love him.

He is survived by his children, Dewey Porter and his wife Cherrise, Christine Williams, and Darrin Hughes; his brother, Ronnie Porter; sister, Janet; sisters-in-law, Terri Gilmore, and Nancy Tyler; grandchildren, Tyler Wilkerson, Courtney Taylor-Randall, Cody Porter and wife Ashley, Reece Porter and wife Olivia, Stoney Porter and fiancé Danelle, Amyaha, Royce, and Tegan Shirley; great-grandchildren, Travis Taylor, Ransom Porter, Aiden Pena, Tinsley Porter, Mason Taylor, Whitley Ann Porter, Kamden and Korbyn; step-grandchildren, Kaylum and Kathryn Brzozowski, and Keegan Snyder; and his devoted friend of 60 years, a brother, Louis Howton and wife Marlene; along with and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and cherished friends.

Wayne is now reunited with his beloved Shirley, who preceded him in death, along with his parents, Donald and Polly Porter; and his brother-in-law, Ted Gilmore.

Wayne’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched—with every laugh, every story, every shared meal, and every memory made under open skies. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services for Wayne will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 with visitation from 3pm-4pm at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland. Wayne's funeral will immediately follow at 4pm in the Pace-Stancil Chapel with Art Musgrove officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Shade Cemetery in Tarkington Prairie. Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Lee, Dan Henderson, Jason Gilmore, Reece Bundrick, Darren Howton, David Gustafson and Stoney Porter.