Mark David Porter

Mark David Porter of Columbus died on November 18, 2015, at Columbus Hospice. He was born September 24, 1957, and was the son of Anne Bogart Porter and Carl Slater Porter. Mark was a graduate of Hardaway High School, attended Furman University and received a BBA degree from the University of Georgia in 1980. At the time of his death, he was a group vice president of Columbus Bank & Trust, where he helped organize and then manage private banking. He was also a principal in Wildwood Gardens, LLC. In addition to his financial and business expertise, Mark had an innate talent for organization and creativity that benefitted many groups. As a member of the Board of Trustees and later as president of the Columbus Museum, Mark arranged and produced many elegant and entertaining events. He also served as president of the Big Eddy Club. In addition, Mark was active in numerous civic and social organizations in Columbus, including The Columbus Botanical Garden, Girls Inc. and Historic Columbus. He was known for his love of gardening, flower arranging and other decorative talents. He was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Survivors include, other than his parents, his daughter Mary Reynolds Porter and her mother, Laura Passailaigue Porter; his husband Christopher Robert Harman; his brothers and sister: William Gregg Porter (Sally Aman), Elizabeth Porter McQuilken (Kevin), Robert Harvey Porter (Heather Glendenning), John Slater Porter (Kim Yi); and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers include: Billy Blanchard, Tyler Cashbaugh, Bradley Cross, Carter Mize, Todd Reaves and Joe Young. Honorary Pallbearers include: Jim Anderson, Michael Anderson, Walt Deriso, Katherine Dunlevie, Skin Edge, Bob Elliott, Bill Huff, Bill Jones, Neill Hatcher, Mike Ogie, Gregg Porter, John Porter, Rob Porter, Heath Schondelmayer and Elliott Waddell. Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Friday, November 20 at 10 a.m. with graveside services following at Riverdale Cemetery. Reverend Grace Burton Edwards will officiate. The family will receive friends after the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Columbus Museum at 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31906.