Virgil was a kind and loving man who was devoted to his family, friends and fellow man. His love and care for others first became evident when he attended Riverside Military Academy where he was a star player on the football, basketball and baseball teams. He went on to graduate from his beloved Auburn University in 1956 with a Bachler of Applied Arts Degree, where he was also a member of the SAE fraternity (War Eagle). As he entered the workforce, he found he had a love for helping people as an advertising executive where he served as president of Gordon Marks advertising and as a partner with George Williams advertising agency. An avid fisherman, one could often find Virgil wetting a line at his favorite fishing hole, and his shelves were laden with too many awards and trophies to count. His commitment to the sport drew him to become an active member of the Jackson Bass Club and serve as the president of Mississippi BASS.
Perhaps Virgil’s greatest loves were his faith and family. As a member of Pinelake Church, he chose to put his faith into action and serve as a deacon. He found great joy in leading, helping, and praying for others. Virgil and his beloved wife, Niece, were faithful members of the “Double Blessing” Sunday school class. They also enjoyed spending time with friends. Riding the rez on their pontoon boat was one of their favorite ways to connect with their friends.
Virgil’s greatest love outside of his faith was his love for his family. Of all of his accomplishments, he was most proud of his two daughters, Pam and Paige. He loved spending time with his family on his pontoon boat, fishing and hanging out at family gatherings. His home was full of pictures of his favorite people, his wife, children, grandchildren and other family members. One of his favorite expressions, as he would say goodbye to his family, was “love you, love you, love you.” His brother Bill (and one of Virgil’s closest friends) once said, “Will Rogers said he never met a man he never liked. Virgil Porter never met a man who didn’t like him.”
He is preceded in death by his wife Niece Porter, parents Virgil E Porter Sr. and Eleanor McCuan Porter, sister Eleanor Ewing Golenpaul and first wife Elizabeth (Libby) Wicker Porter.
He is survived by his brother Bill Porter, his daughters Pam Glover (Jeff), Paige Whitman (Marcus), step-son Johnny Haddad, and grandchildren Henry Glover, Hope Lamberson, Joel Sims, Porter Glover, Matt Glover, Kathryn Matheny and 14 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Friday, April 15. Visitation at 11 a.m., Funeral at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Gateway Rescue Mission in the name of Virgil Porter.
