James Porter

James Rudolph "Rudy" Porter, 76, of Baytown, was surrounded by the love of his family when he peacefully departed this life early Monday, February 18, 2008. He was born October 18, 1931, in Smith County, Texas, one of three children born to Loey F. Porter and Gertrude Jordon Porter. He grew-up in the Swan-Lindale area outside of Tyler. After graduating from Tyler High School in 1949, Rudy proudly served in the United States Navy, from 1951-54. On March 15, 1952, he married the love of his life, Miss Patsy Alexander of Tyler. He attended Tyler Junior College and East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas. For most of his career, Rudy was involved in banking, holding positions with Industrial Bank & Trust of Dallas, First American Bank of Baytown, and was president of both Peoples State Bank in Marshall, and Century Savings and Loan in Baytown. Later, he was a partner of Statewide Capital, a mortgage brokerage firm, in Clear Lake. He was a past member of the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Baytown and a number of Chambers of Commerce. Rudy enjoyed family vacations, being on the water, fishing and hunting and will be remembered as "the life of any party." Preceded in death by his parents, and his infant daughter, Katrina Marie, Rudy is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Patsy Porter; son, James Michael Porter and wife, Mary, of Lakeway, TX; daughter, Karla Kay Whitfield and husband, Ward, of Knoxville, TN; and grandchildren, Clint Porter, Cara Davis, Paul Davis and Ben Porter. Rudy is also survived by one brother, Billy Frank Porter and wife, Movel, of Grand Prairie and one sister, Judy Porter, of Tyler; nephew, Frank Porter; niece, Sharon Hall. A service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 10 a.m. at First Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Market Street, Dr. Richard Kleiman officiating. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Ward Whitfield, Clint Porter, Mike Porter, Jack Jackson, Jimmy Epperson and Robert Gunther. A visitation in Tyler is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Hopewell Cemetery in Lindale, Texas. Rudy was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather and a treasured friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

James Porter

October 18, 1931 - February 18, 2008