Billy Mack Porter

Billy Mack Porter of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on November 29, 2020. He was 86 years old. On Friday, December 4, 2020 the family will greet guests from 11:30 am -12:30 pm in the form of “drive-up” style visitation at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Come, offer your condolences to Billy’s family and pay your final respects to Billy while following social distancing guidelines from the safety of your vehicle. Please use the North entrance to the cemetery. You are welcome to join us for the graveside service starting at approximately 1:00 pm at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. This service will also be available live on Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Please log on to facebook.com/chapelhillbutler to view the livestream of Billy’s service. Shortly before the appointed time, the livestream will begin. If you do not see the livestream on your screen, please refresh your page. You may need to scroll down to see the livestream.

Billy was born on January 14, 1934 in Mercer, Missouri to Albert Mack Porter and Lenora Abigail (Galiger) Porter and grew up on the family farm. After high school, Billy joined the United States Navy. Billy served his country for 19 years before his retirement. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. All of his time at sea was spent on submarines, initially on diesel engines and later the nuclear subs, serving in the Vietnam War. Years later, Billy was honored for his service and bravery with the Honor Flight, which recognizes American veterans for sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. After the service, Billy lived in Denver, Colorado where he worked for 3M as an electrician and programmer and retired from 3M after working for them for 20 years. During this time, Billy became a huge Denver Bronco fan, and this love followed him once he moved to Kansas City. Once in Kansas City, he eventually became a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, but his love of the Broncos never faded. Billy was a member of the American Legion Post #318 and would go to many VA events and parades. He was also a member of the Fleet Reserve and the Navy Submarine Vets. He was an active member in Park Hill Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering at Hillcrest Platte County.

Billy loved to go fishing and golfing. He enjoyed traveling with his family and had many unforgettable trips. Some of the most memorable trips were when he and his wife, Patricia, rode the train through the Rockies in Canada and their cruise to Alaska. He and Pat also enjoyed going to many gospel concerts during their marriage. Billy would always make time for his family and friends. He enjoyed dining out and a social cup of coffee with friends, especially at Kate’s! Billy seemed to always have a smile on his face and he never met a stranger. He was a gentleman but still knew how to tease and joke around with others. He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother Lenora; father Albert; siblings, Jim (James Elery), Lora Lou Hedden, Anna Belle Robinson, Libby (Elizabeth) Jane Ramirez; and stepson Bob (Robert) Rhodes.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Patricia Porter; brother in law, Joe Ramirez; stepchildren and their families Murray & Sharon Rhodes, Mike & Cheri Rhodes, Karen & David Watson, Paul & Janell Rhodes, Dana & Damon Overboe, Rebecca & Denny Southard, daughter in law Jill Rhodes; 16 nieces & nephews & their families; included in these family are 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

A photo album can be seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/A6FUSbb4U8Er6UhJ8

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Bill’s honor to one of the following organizations that were dear to him:

Fleet Reserve: https://www.fra.org/fra/VSF/Donate/VSF_DonateNow.aspx

American Legion: https://www.members.legion.org/tal/donatenow

US Navy Submarine Vets: https://www.ussvi.org

Hillcrest Platte County: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HillcrestMinistriesofPlatteCo/donate-1.html

Park Hill Christian Church, 6601 Northwest 72nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64151