Ray Porter

Ray Paul Porter, age 78, of Clio MI, went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at McLaren Hospital, Flint. Private burial will take place at Flint Memorial Park at a later date. Ray was born on March 3, 1940, in Flint, MI, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ray Charlie and Fama Quintella (Mower) Porter. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan. On June 4, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sharon Sue Smith. They had been best friends since age 3, and were never apart after they were married. Ray worked for Genesee County Community Mental Health for 33 years as a therapist/coordinator. He loved working with his clients and was always encouraged when they were successful. Ray enjoyed tour bicycling and was known to ride as much as 100 miles a day touring the areas around his home. He enjoyed playing his Lira Accordion and could listen to music for hours on end. He enjoyed photography and has left a vast collection of beautiful photos for his family to cherish and enjoy. He would tend to his elaborate rose gardens and had created a hybrid rose for Jackson and Perkins. He loved sharing his roses with friends, family, and coworkers and would hand out bouquets around town. He and Sharon loved animals and would rescue as many as they could. He loved spending time with Sharon, his dog Winnie, and he would call his daughter, Vonda, almost every night. Ray loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all of his heart. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Sharon Sue Porter, daughter Vonda and husband John Manga, Sister Carla and husband Gradon Chandler, close family friend, Judy Snow Riedel, and more friends than could ever be counted. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers John Layman, and James Porter.