Oscar Bennett Porter
July 13, 1924 ~ January 28, 2012
Oscar Porter, 87, of Rocky Mount, died Saturday, January 28, 2012. He was born on July 13, 1924 in Lee County, the son of the late Oscar B. Porter, Sr. and Margaret Gunter Porter. Oscar graduated from Sanford High School and attended North Carolina State before serving in The United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of the task force that captured the German Submarine U-505 June 4, 1944. He was employed by Fairbank Morse serving as National Sales Manager, then by Cuno Engineering where he served as Sales Manager. He opened his own business as a manufacturer's representative in Rocky Mount in 1972. He tried retirement for the first time in 1983 but quickly became bored. He then joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor for 20 years in Elizabeth City, NC. Upon retiring from this location, he became a mentor and trainer for Edward Jones until he finally retired in April, 2009. Oscar served Christ Church in Elizabeth City as Senior Warden and upon returning to Rocky Mount attended Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. He was an Eagle Scout, a Mason, Shriner, and Elk. Oscar traveled extensively, captained a series of pleasure boats up and down the East Coast, was a ham radio operator for many years and enjoyed riding his horses in parades around Eastern North Carolina.
Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Thomas Porter. He is survived by his wife, Peggy P. Porter, two daughters, Betsy P. Fritschel and husband Scott, Margaret P Watkins and husband John, of Rocky Mount, two sons, Charlie B. Porter and Thomas A. Porter and wife Cathy, of Rocky Mount. Nine grandchildren, Preston, Lindsey, Lauren, Samantha, Bailey, Carl, Shannon, Julia, and Sarah. Three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Zack and Oliver. His Step Children, Cathy Berry and husband Mike, of Rocky Mount, and Renee Neiner, and husband, Mike of Suwanee, GA. Three step-grandchildren, Brandon, Natalie, and John. Four step great grandchildren, Tony, Grace, Faith and Charlie.
The family would like to thank Cheryl Smith for her compassionate care.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief in Rocky Mount. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Wheeler and Woodlief, with Troy Page officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Heart Association or The Oscar and Joyce Porter Memorial Scholarship Fund, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Tuesday 1/31, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
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Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 2/1, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Peggy, Just returned to town and am saddened to hear of your loss. Oscar was a dear gentleman. Know he will be missed by all your family. I will surely miss seeing him at cardiac rehab. Just know I’m thinking of you. Be strong. Fondly, Jane
Dear Family of Oscar Jr.– I am Ed Mendenhall, son of Ann (Porter) Rankin. She and Oscar Jr. were 1st cousins. I came to know Oscar Jr. and the family well, as I was raised my first 8 years or so about a block away on Weatherspoon St. I more or less have stayed in contact through many family members — my mother before she died, Marleen, John and Pat Porter, et al. I have many fond memories of Oscar Jr.and Joyce, great uncle Oscar and great aunt Maggie. I sorrow with you, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Oscar Jr. was a positive force in getting me in the grass mowing business a la Fairbanks-Morris, way back in the 50’s! My mom greatly relied on his advice in investing and directed me toward Edward Jones, where I have stayed for many years! (Talk about having influence beyond one’s fondest imagination!) Finally, I do rememer a picture from my uncle J.D. Porter of Oscar Sr., in France, WW I, sitting or standing (can’t exactly recall now!) next to the firetruck of the fire brigade. And I was amazed to learn of Oscar Jr.’s presence at the capture of the U-505 (from the obituary). I think that is the one on display in Chicago — I have seen it several times. And, as I recall, that was the only German sub captured in tact with the enigma code book. A woman I knew from a church of a few years ago saw that sub as a teenager in 1944 in New London, CT, harbor (not sure of the exact location, but somewhere in New England) before it was properly covered, so the Germans would not know it was captured in tact. (Since I know that the younger generation lacks in history, U in U-Boot stands for Unterwasser Boot or submarine, as English speakers would say!) Grace and peace abide with you all, as you celebrate Oscar Jr.’s life and mourn his loss. — Ed Mendenhall (Email — [emailprotected] )
Betsy and family, I have so many fond and wonderful memories of your Dad. He was indeed a special person. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Brenda
Cousins, We are thinking of you during your time of loss. Your was a wonderful man and will certainly be missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Melinda Andrews Huey
Margaret, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kristina Wood
Charlie, Kathy and family Very sorry for your loss. you are all in my thoughts Tommy Adkins
I met Oscar when he got his amateur radio license – WB4EBW – back in the sixties. We all suffered when he fell out that tree and broke his upper arm trying to put up an antenna. He always had time when we came to his Cuno Engineering office in downtown. He always welcomed me at his home. Oscar gave me a slide rule when I went off to engineering school at NC State – I still treasure it. Oscar helped get one of the first amateur radio 2 meter repeaters on the WITN tower at Grifton in 1975. Oscar was always encouraging and insightful. I last saw him last in 1981 and lost touch when and Joyce moved east of Elizabeth City. But many of us do remember seeing his vertical antenna behind his home on Rosedale. Well in the amateur radio world we sign off saying 73s and when a fellow amateur radio operator passes we note that by showing SK – silent key – after his call sign. So my friend 73s and we will miss hearing WB4EBW SK on the bands. Bert Carter WA4TLI Cary NC
He was a good friend and a good person, he will be missed. God bless him.
Dear Cousins, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. For some things there are no words, only shoulders to lean on, hands to hold and hugs for comfort. May the memories of your shared days together help to ease your sorrow and bring you smiles. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Amy Andrews Bloomer
I am so sorry that I am not able to be there today. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Jean Poston (Elizabeth City)
Dear Betsy and family, it was such a pleasure to meet and know your dad. I shall remember him as a happy and joyful person who enjoyed life and meeting new people. Thoughts and prayers from all the O’Driscoll’s and Cronin’s in cork, Ireland