Carl Slater Porter

Carl Slater Porter

Psalm 121:1

On the morning of May 29, 2021, Carl S. Porter passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family at the Oaks at Grove Park in Columbus, GA. Carl was a beloved husband to his wife Anne and proud father, grandfather (“Pappy”), and great-grandfather to 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was born in Red Bank, TN on September 24, 1929 to Harvey David Porter, Sr. and Mae Sain Porter. He attended the public schools of Red Bank, graduating from Red Bank High School in 1948. He then attended Tennessee Wesleyan College on a football scholarship and transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating in 1952. It was at Tennessee Wesleyan that he met his bride, Anne, on her first day on campus and they married September 23, 1951. He says he knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that they would marry and their 69 years together left a beautiful legacy to all who knew them. After college, he served in the US Army, Finance Corps, from 1952-54 and from his service, went on to become a respected Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch in 1955 in Columbus, GA. Over the next decade Carl and Anne grew their family with 5 beautiful children. After 40 years with Merrill Lynch, he retired in July 1995, discovering a love of sculpting, genealogy, and travel in his retirement.

Carl cared greatly about his faith and their community throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of St. Luke United Methodist church, serving on the Administrative Board, Finance Committee, and the past President of the YOMAC Sunday School Class. He also co-led the Telephone Sunday School Ministry with his wife and was a member of the Methodist Men of St. Luke. He loved classical music, often playing beautiful arrangements throughout their home, and served on the Board of Directors of Southeastern Music Center and on the Board of Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He also was a member and past president of Green Island Country Club, past member of the Big Eddy Club, and past member of the Muscogee Lions Club.

Since 1961 he has been associated with the local American Red Cross (ARC), having served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman (1970-73), on the Southeastern Area Advisory Council (Chairman 1973-74), on the Presidents Blood Advisory Committee, and on the Executive Committee of Atlanta Regional Blood Committee. He also was a Charter member of Georgia State Service Council 1992-1997 (Chairman 1994-96) and was instrumental in establishing the first local Blood Program in Columbus in 1973. His dedication to service in the ARC was recognized in 1997 when he was awarded the Clara Barton Award, the highest volunteer award given by a local chapter. His many accomplishments leave a powerful legacy for his family whom he cared for so deeply.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 2nd Ave, Columbus, GA according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Columbus Hospice House 7020 Moon Rd. Columbus, GA 31909 or St. Luke United Methodist Church 1104 2nd Ave. Columbus, GA 31901.

Preceded in Death by:

Son Carl David Porter (1954)

Son Mark David Porter (2015) (Survived by husband Christopher Harman; granddaughter Mary Reynolds Lipscomb, husband Wade Lipscomb)

Survived by:

His wife, formerly Anne Bogart of Daytona Beach Fl.

His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:

Son William Gregg Porter of Pine Knolls Shore, NC (wife Sally Aman, granddaughters Sally Harris Porter and Aman Aine Porter)

Daughter Elizabeth Porter McQuilken of Buford, GA (husband Kevin McQuilken; grandson Reuben Adams Chandler III, wife Loren Chandler, and great-granddaughter Dorothy James Chandler; grandson Carl Slater Chandler, wife Ashley Chandler and great-grandchildren Lyla Beth Chandler and Tate Isaac Chandler; and granddaughter Olivia Catherine Amato, husband Mitchell Amato and great-grandson River William Ray Amato)

Robert Harvey Porter of Elizabeth, CO (wife Heather Glendenning)

John Slater Porter of NY (wife Kim Yi; grandson Bogart Porter)