Will miss you dearly my brother, Roc!  Rest easy.

One of my favorite stories—and one that perfectly captures both Porter and his mom—is the legendary French fry routine. His mom didn’t play about her fries. They had to be fresh. Hot. No shortcuts. Porter learned early how to work the system. He’d order the fries with no salt, knowing they’d have to make a new batch. Then he’d grab salt packets on the side. Because if those fries weren’t hot when they got home, his mom would send them right back. No debate. No exceptions. That story still makes me laugh, but more than that, it speaks to love, standards, and care. Porter paid attention. He remembered. He made sure people were taken care of.
My brother, my teammate, my friend—thank you for the memories, the laughter, the lessons, and the love. You ran your race with honor.

Rest well.
Rest in power.
Until we meet again.

Porter had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lifelong memories. One of those was our trip to Freaknik—a snapshot of college life, freedom, culture, and joy. It was laughter without schedules, music without limits, and stories we’d retell for years. And when we needed a place to land, Porter’s home in Chattanooga was always open. Staying with his mom wasn’t just a visit—it was an experience. You felt loved the moment you walked through the door. There was warmth in that house, the kind that doesn’t come from heat but from care.

Some people walk into your life quietly. Others walk in and immediately change the temperature of the room. Porter J. Roberts IV was the latter. I met him in a small Purdue dorm room—tight quarters, bare walls, and barely enough space for two young men chasing big dreams. But Porter showed up with those big speakers, the kind that made no sense for a dorm room that size, and suddenly Bob Marley was pouring through the walls. The bass vibrated the floor, the music softened the stress, and before we even realized it, something lasting was being built. That moment marked the beginning of a brotherhood.

I'm only allowed a short condolence.  I did not know Porter, but remember how great of shape he was in and how relentless he played defense on the ball for Purdue.  Years ago a guy was selling peaches in Indiana and said he was from Chattanooga.  I told him Purdue had a very good player from there and said his name.  He said he knew Porter and that Porter who he had played ball said that nobody would remember him.  I told him that a LOT of people remember Porter and for him to relay that message back to Porter.  The last Purdue home game they showed Porter on the huge scoreboard mentioning his prostate cancer and then followed up with a moment of silence.  When we see these young players pass we lose a part of us as well.  God Bless Porter and R.I.P.

My condolences to the entire family. "Bubba" was a friend of my sons.  He was always a polite young man. He introduced me to Corinth and I embraced him the same as I did him. I will miss Bubba and baking for Corinth.  My heart hurts for the family in their loss of  such a gentle soul.  May God bless and keep the family in your loss. 🙏🏾

We battled on the basketball court for more than 20 years.  My guy Bubba will be truly missed..... 😥🏀✊🏾💪🏾🙏🏾🕊

My condolences to the family.  I am sorry for your loss. Porter was a magnificent person wirh such a beautiful spirit. The impact he made on my life and others around him will forever live on. His transition creates a ripple of loving memories.. Thank you for sharing his life and light. He was one of my best friends. 

Love and light. ,
Tamarra Phillips
(Class of 92)

Gone but never forgotten, you will be truly missed. We may have only had a few years of childhood memories. I will always remember them and tell them to my daughter. 
Love you always.

Ada Mae Alexander Memorial Library

We pray that the many prayers will bring comfort to the family!

I’m sorry for your loss. Porter lived next door to me at Purdue in 93-94. I always remember him as a nice humble guy who would talk with anyone who wanted to get to know him.

My condolences goes out to the Roberts family,the Allison family and the Jennings family.I remember going to East Late courts back in the day; the mid 80's BBQ n popping fire 🔥 works. Just having a good time,and going to McDonald's eating burgers and fries 🍟,them was the days. Bubba was a good person and fun cousin.He used to play all of us in 3 on 1, me and my two brothers and beat us in basketball 🏀,I knew then he was going to be a great basketball 🏀 player anywhere he went.i love you cousin bubba; Rest easy. I'm gonna miss you. Much love!

Sad to hear of Porters passing.   We were freshmen together at Purdue.  Shared a mailbox with his roommate Justin.  Had more than a few conversations in the dorm.   Enjoyed his story telling of the Europe basketball tour during the summer before school.  Sorry for your loss and praying for your family.  He was a great and funny guy and will be missed.

I am so saddened to hear about Porter's passing.  I've not seen him since high school where he would try to cheat off my paper in Mr. P. trigonometry class.  He was a bright light and most folks would gravitate to his personality.  Im praying that God surrounds and comforts his family, meeting their every need.

Bubba, as I affectionately knew him from CSAS,  shed such a beautiful light in this world.  He was mostly always seen enjoying life & sharing smiles.
Prayers for peace & understanding for his mother & his family.

I pray that God will comfort the family during this tough time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and I pray that God keeps the family wrapped in His loving arms and help them get through this difficult time. 

Although Porter is gone, memories of him will live forever!

Tim Ervin 
Purdue Teammate

Rest in peace, Porter. Thank you for the joy you gave so many of us Boilermaker fans. You’ll always be remembered as one of the great ones.

Boiler Up, and God bless your family during this time.

A grateful Purdue fan

OBITUARY

Porter Jay Roberts IV

11 May, 1974 – 5 February, 2026

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Franklin-Strickland Chapel

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