Major General Bobby B. Porter (Ret)

US Army Major General (Retired) Bobby B. Porter, 72, passed away at St. Bernard’s Medical Center on Friday, January 5, 2007 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He joins in heaven his wife, Carolyn Sue Porter, his parents, Walter W. Porter and Thelma L. Porter, and many family and friends. He is survived by his children, son Reverend William T. Porter and wife Becky of Titusville, Florida, son James R. Porter of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and daughter Suzy L. Granger and husband Tommy of League City, Texas. Grandchildren: Tara Lynn Lakin, Phillip Shad Porter, Amy Margaret Porter, Carolyn Sue Zoe Granger, Porter Lee Granger and great-granddaughter Rebecca Star Lakin. General Porter was born and raised in Arkansas and began his military career in 1954 as a Private in the Arkansas National Guard. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the University ROTC program.

During his more than 30 years of commissioned service, he served in a variety of command and staff assignments including positions of leadership at every level of command, from rifle platoon leader through Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.

General Porter was serving in Berlin , Germany in 1961 when Communist Forces built the infamous Berlin Wall. Later he served two combat tours in Vietnam during the years 1966 and 1970.

In the late 1970’s, General Porter helped build the All Volunteer Army. First as Commander, Southwest Region Recruiting Command, and later as Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Recruiting Command.

His key assignments in the 1980’s included Director of Military Personnel Management on the Army Staff in Washington, DC; Commanding General of the famed 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and just prior to his retirement he commanded the US Army Military Personnel Center in Washington, DC.

His awards and decorations include Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star medal with “V” Device, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (10), Vietnam Gallantry cross with Palm, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Army Staff Badge, and others.

General Porter retired from active military service on June 30, 1987 and moved to Myrtle Beach , South Carolina where he taught courses in the field of public communication at two local colleges.

In February 1993, he and his wife, Sue, returned to their home state of Arkansas to reside in Jonesboro.

General Porter was instrumental in organizing the NE-Ark/Region 8 Chapter and has been relentless in his effort to encourage membership in the chapter. He served two years as Chapter Secretary and member of the Board of Directors.

General Porter, a true wit, has given us the benefit of his leadership and the wisdom gained through his many years of service to his country.

Viewing will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Wednesday at 11 am. Internment will be at Jonesboro Memorial immediately following the service.

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