Harry James Porter, 83, of Pinehurst NC, formerly of Gaithersburg MD, Barrington IL and Stratford NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 19th 2021.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on Sept. 23, 1937, he was the son of the late James Porter and Frances Greer. Harry graduated from Audobon High School, he was president of his class graduating in 1955. Harry and RuthAnn Hislop were high school sweethearts and the two married on November 29, 1958. He started work at the New York Shipyard as a pipefitter building submarines and aircraft carriers for the U.S. military. Harry took a Supplier Quality role with Bechtel Corporation. During his 26 years with Bechtel, he advanced to Manager of Procurement leading Bechtel Power projects worldwide. Integrity and professionalism are two words that best described Harry by his co-workers. Harry retired in August 2000 as a respected leader and mentor in the Bechtel family.
Harry enjoyed coaching, fishing, golfing and spending time with friends and family. He was a key member of the Stratford Falcon Football organization and mentored young men while playing for his teams. Harry also loved the ocean and had many enjoyable memories from his time spent boating and fishing. His other love was golf. He loved playing with his friends and family at Norbeck CC and Pinewild CC enjoying the comradery with his golfing partners. Harry was a believer in God, a true American patriot and a proud supporter of the US military.
Due to his belief in God and his strong family values, Harry leaves a legacy of a family that cherished their time and conversations with him. Harry is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, RuthAnn Porter. He was the father of Dale Porter, wife Kelle of Ozark, MO, Harry Porter, wife Michelle of Sykesville, MD and David Porter, wife Patricia of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren: Austin, Taylor, Max, Grace, Amanda, Christopher, Luke, Mark and Anthony and 5 great – grandchildren: Leon, Ana, Jackson, Carter, and Rowan. Harry was the brother of James Porter Jr., wife Doris of Wrightsville Beach, NC. Harry and RuthAnn built a home and retired to Pinewild CC, Pinehurst NC to enjoy their love of golf, friends, family, and the community.
A Visitation will be held at the Boles Funeral Home, 35 Parker Ln., Pinehurst NC from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, July 9, 2021.
A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 Dundee Rd. Pinehurst NC from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021, with a Reception following from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to the Mayo Clinic at:
Department of Development, Mayo Clinic 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905 or Online: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
