Michael Turner Porter

Memorial service for Michael Turner Porter will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from North Calvary Baptist Church in Philadelphia, MS. with Dr. Jimmy Porter and Bro. Lawrence Runnels officiating.

Michael Turner Porter of Philadelphia passed from this life on November 28, 2024.
Mike was born on November 17, 1950, to Calvin Monroe and Audie Mae Hall Turner.

Upon the death of his biological parents, he was adopted by James and Gertrude Hall Porter. Porter worked in various capacities during his life, including welding, sandblasting and painting. In his later years, he assisted his father, James Porter, with the family plumbing business. If Mike could learn how to perform a trade, he could master it. He was immensely talented and was very generous, helping anyone in any capacity that he could. He played the piano and guitar. He was also a very congenial man. One always felt good around Mike. He laughed easily and fiercely loved his family and friends. Mike was diagnosed with polio at less than two years of age. While he wore a brace, he never let that stop him. He followed his older siblings, Frances and Jim, and he did his best to do anything they could do, including playing sports. He loved to cook, enjoyed fishing as long as he could, and he loved taking care of others. He was very independent and was blessed to be able to live in his home until his passing. He took great pride in caring for himself over the years, but he always put the needs of others ahead of his own. His loving personality and friendly demeanor will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know him. One of his favorite pastimes, however, was being “Papaw.”

We know now that “Dad” is now fully healed, walking unassisted. Mike’s biological siblings kept in touch and they remained very close over the years. Charles, Clifton, Ann and Betty all preceded their baby brother in death. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Kaleb Cooper.

Survivors include his son, Chad Porter (Treba), and a daughter, Casie Gonzalez (Ron). Mike had several grandchildren: Jessica Todd Weir and David Todd, Kaleb Cooper, Luke Porter (Kristin) and Leighallyn Porter. Mike is survived by four great-grandchildren, Madison, Cody, Matthew, and Waylon. Mike is also survived by his sister, Frances Porter Runnels, brother-in-law and dear friend, Lawrence Runnels; his beloved sister Sherron McArthur Parker (Doyle); his brother, Dr. Jimmy Porter, and a treasured sister-in-law, Tommye Lynn Porter.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested all memorials be made to Rotary Club of Louisville PO Box 341 Louisville, MS. 39339 for World Polio Eradication. Please make checks payable to Rotary District 6820 Foundation.