Charles S. Porter

Born on November 15, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, Charlie was the son of the late Charles Allen Porter and Margaret Stenhouse Porter Wetherbee. When he was two years old, his parents returned to their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, where he was raised.

Charlie studied Police Science at Greenville Technical College and pursued Education studies at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg.

An Air Force veteran of the Vietnam era, Charlie dedicated much of his life to serving veterans and his community. He was twice elected Commander of American Legion Post 3 and was named South Carolina American Legion Commander of the Year in 1996. He was also twice recognized as Outstanding Legionnaire for Post 3. Charlie was a founding member of the Veterans Service Corps of South Carolina and served as its first Commander. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous honors for his work with veterans, including the Community Leadership Award from the West Point Society, the Order of the Crescent, and the Quilt of Valor.

Charlie was also deeply involved in the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He served twice as President of the Colonel Robert Anderson Chapter and later served as State Society President from 2006 to 2007. His dedication earned him several awards, including the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, the Service to Veterans Medal, and the Liberty Medal.

Charlie retired from the Liberty Police Department in 1983 after suffering a stab wound to the chest in the line of duty. During his distinguished law enforcement career, he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, State Detective School, and State Security Crimes School, along with numerous other police-related schools and seminars. He was also a graduate of the National Crime Prevention Institute at the University of Louisville and became one of the first Crime Prevention Specialists in the United States.

A pioneer in crime prevention efforts, Charlie was the founding member and first President of the South Carolina Association of Crime Prevention Officers. He also served for many years as a police officer with the City of Easley and the Pickens County Municipal Association.

In 1982, Charlie was elected to the Legion of Honor by the American Law Enforcement Officers Association, received the Medal of Valor, and was inducted into the National Police Hall of Fame in Miami, Florida.

Charlie is survived by his sons, Master Deputy Charles Porter III (Barbara), Luke Porter (Sara) of Greenville, Daniel Porter and Tracy Porter of Dover-Foxcroft; and by his daughter, Julie Porter-Chase (Mike) of Guilford. He is also survived by many beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie's family requests donations be made in his honor to Upstate Warrior Solution, a community-based nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders, and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. A link to Upstate Warrior Solution and their address can be found below.

A visitation will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609. A graveside service with Air Force honors will begin at 3:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609.