Earl H. Porter's Obituary
Earl H. Porter, was born in Hearne, Texas on January 12, 1934, to his loving parents Lillian and Henry Porter. Although he is the only child, he had a close bond with his first cousins (Waymond Taylor Jr., Benny Taylor Sr., and Joan Haynes), and saw them as his brothers and sister. He attended church at New Elem Baptist Church in Hearne Texas with his family and later attended St. John’s Baptist Church in Oakland for a short period of time.
He attended Blackshear High School in Hearne, Texas where He was affectionately known as “Superstar” and was proud to share that he played Football and ran Track. During that period of time, Earl met and later married his beloved wife, Vivian Webb Porter, of 71 years, on July 7, 1951. To this Union, 3 children were born: Vivian Kelley, Gloria Porter, and Travis Porter.
Prior to moving to California in 1957 with his wife and two children at the time (Vivian and Gloria), Earl joined the United States Army in 1951. He served 2 years traveling throughout the United States and received an Honorable discharge in 1953. He then found himself working for the Railroad Company in Texas, until He moved to California in 1957. In 1969, Earl and Vivian welcomed a loving boy, Travis, to their Union.
Shortly after his move, Earl worked two jobs to support his family. He attended Berkeley Adult School where he received a certificate in Machine Shop and later completed certification with the City of Oakland Truck Driving School. After 30 plus years of service, He retired from the City of Oakland and began working part-time at Avis Car Rental Company.
In his spare time, He loved to capture memories with his camera. You could find him taking pictures of animals, nature, and precious memories at family events. He had a love for fish and turtles, took pride in having them in his home, and showcasing them every chance he got.
Most recently, He fell in love with his red Scooter. He would take trips near and far to visit his family and would bring back different treasures he found along the way, and place them in his yard for display.
As He desired, He was called from Labour to Reward in his sleep on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in the comfort of his home. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Lillian and Henry Porter; First Cousins Waymond Taylor Jr., Benny Taylor Sr., and Joan Haynes and son-in-law Edward Kelley.
Earl leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Vivian Porter, three children Vivian Kelley, Gloria Porter, and Travis Porter (Fiancé Camille Craft); Six Grandchildren Edvita Kelley-Smith, Shanice Kelley, Arshae Taylor, Devon Porter, Jazmine Porter, and Travon Porter; Five Great Grand-Children Jaylynn Kelley, Jayovonni Kelley, Erik Smith, Al’Moni Kelley-Rich and Zy’Anne Taylor-Lewis and a host of relatives and friends.
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