Vernon Ralph ‘Mickey’ Porter
Vernon Ralph ‘Mickey’ Porter, 86, of Canyon, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Services were held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 8,2021 at the University Church of Christ with David Lough, minister, officiating. Burial followed in Llano Cemetery. The family received friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors.
Vernon was born on March 3, 1934 in Haskell, Oklahoma to Dennis Ray Porter & Louise (Tiny) Cheathom. He graduated from Andrews High School in 1948 and attended Sul Ross University. He married Belva Sue Doles on December 20th, 1954 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1956 to 1958 in Germany. He retired at 56 from Shell Oil on March 1, 1990.
Survivors include his wife, Belva Sue Porter of Canyon; his siblings, Dennis Porter & wife, Cindy of Andrews, TX, David Porter & wife Kathy, of Midland, TX, and Billie Jones & husband, Lou Eisenwine of Andrews, TX; his children, Pam Porter 63, Kathy Fowler 61 & husband Clyde, James Doak Porter 59 & wife Kim; his grandchildren, Jeremy Wheeler & wife Lindsey, Kennah Grant & husband Brooks, Jori Speer & husband Levi, Jentry Porter & wife Keela, and Quinton Fowler; and his great grandchildren, Jacob Wheeler, Zach Wheeler, Lauren Wheeler, Presleigh Grant, Bromley Speer, Emery Grant & Anniston Speer.
Vernon Ralph Porter had many names.
Mickey was the name he was most commonly known by. His favorite names were Daddy, PapPaw, Pappy, PaPa, Grandpa and most recently Mickey-PaPa.
He was a small man in stature but a giant in our family. He loved Belva (Bev) Sue with his whole heart for his whole life. A devoted husband of 66 years and father to his 3 precious kids. He loved all things sports and most of all watching his grandkids play football, basketball, golf, volleyball and everything in between while chasing their dreams. He was their loudest cheerleader and biggest fan. He was just the best, even the “best man” in his son Doak’s wedding. He was the definition of steadfast. He was a true example of devotion in all areas of his life.
He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ and devoted friend and family member to many. He was always one to write letters, pick up the phone and call to check on you and keep in touch. Probably to brag on one of his grandkids or great grandkids. When he laughed it was genuine.
When he patted you on the back you felt his love. He was a man of few words, but one thing for sure, you always knew he loved you. He loved gardening, Molly his dog, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Canyon Eagles, the Permian Panthers, playing cards and dessert. He was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. His family and friends know that on the morning of January 5th he heard the words, “Well done! My good and faithful servant.”
