Gene F. Porter

Gene Fenn Porter, 93, of Arrington, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025. Born in Nashville, TN on August 27, 1931, Gene was the son of the late Beulah Mae Wright and William Kirk Porter, Sr.

A proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1950, Gene continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1954. He later completed a Master’s in Education at Peabody College in 1958.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Gene began a lifelong career in education, first as a teacher and coach at Highland Heights Junior High in 1956. He went on to serve at North High School and Goodlettsville High School, where he was beloved by students and athletes alike as both a teacher and head football coach. After 15 years on the field, Gene transitioned to administration, serving as a guidance counselor and later assistant principal at several Nashville schools, including Maplewood High, West End Junior High, Antioch High, and Hillwood High School, where he retired in 1990.

Gene married the love of his life, Ann Evelyn Wood, in Almaville, TN on December 26, 1953. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and friendship. A devoted member of Lockeland Baptist Church for many years, Gene later joined Giles Creek Baptist near their home, where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.

An avid athlete, Gene excelled in baseball, basketball, football, and tennis — even serving as the captain of the tennis team at MTSU. He played church league softball for many years and, in retirement, enjoyed regular mall walks and morning coffee chats with friends, who affectionately dubbed him “Speedy.”

Gene and Ann were passionate travelers, visiting all 50 states, including multiple trips to Alaska and Hawaii, and enjoying countless cruises together.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Ann Wood Porter; son Steve Wood Porter (Sandra); daughter Rhonda Porter Tosh; grandchildren Clay Porter, Haley Tosh-Bender (Stanley), and Carlin Tosh; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Woodrow Porter, W.K. Porter, Jr., and Marshall Porter.

Gene will be remembered for his boundless energy, quick wit, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through teaching, coaching, and his steadfast faith.

A gathering of family & friends for Gene will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. A celebration of life will occur Friday, April 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. A committal will occur Friday, April 25, 2025 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 5350 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.