Robert Reid Porter

Robert Reid Porter, Niceville FL, age 88, passed away peacefully January 30, 2020 from congestive heart failure. 

He was born in Laurel Hill, FL on January 22, 1932 to Irene and Henry Porter.  He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra of 58 years, Daughter Susie and husband Ed Dove of Niceville, FL, Sons Bo Porter of Austin, TX and Butch Porter and fiancé Ashley Gilbert of Eagle River, AK. 

He is also survived by his Grandchildren; Robert Porter, Aaron Sadler, EJ Dove, Kadi Spruill, Brianna Porter, Autumn Porter, Canyon Porter and Joseph Dove; Great-Grandchildren, Rylie, Abby, Mya, Myra, Grayson and Jack Reid; Brother Gordon Porter, Sister Jodie Nelson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Many special memories of Reid, (AKA) Dad, Daddy and Papa.  What do you say about the liveliest, funniest and loudest person you know going to Heaven? THAT HE LIVED!  He was a man that had been there, done that and sometimes twice.  He didn’t care what people thought or said or how important they were, if he wanted to sing or play his harmonica, he did, if he wanted to be comfortable, he was, and if you were headed to the kitchen he would get a cup of coffee or milk out of you.  He could hide candy like a pro and finish dessert in record time. His specialties included southern sayings you may never hear again, balancing cars on steel drums and adding a toggle switch to every vehicle he worked on. He had a fierce love for his wife Sandra for almost 59 years and would soften with just the sound of her voice.  Watching their love story is one of life’s greatest blessings that his family will ever have.  There is no one like Reid Porter and never will be, if he told you that a bedbug could pull a freight train, don’t ask questions…just go build the harness.  We all loved him dearly and know that he will have an eternity of entertaining the people in heaven and playing his harmonica for the children because he always enjoyed making other people happy.  He loved his guitars and was an entertainer from the bottom of his heart, his last performance being with his brother Gordon Porter at the Panhandle Opry in Mossy Head, FL.  His favorite song was “I’m Movin’ On” by Hank Snow and his favorite words to others was “Stay Close to God”.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and sincere thanks to Regency Hospice of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Panhandle Opry, 657 DeShazo Road, Crestview, FL (Mossy Head) on February 29, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Regency Hospice, 11 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL  32547

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