Porter was born in Alexandria, Louisiana to Ella C. Laird and Porter V. Laird Jr. He spent his childhood in the community of Paradise near Tioga, Louisiana. After graduation from Tioga High School, he completed a year at the U.S. Naval Academy, then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed for three years in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he moved to Houston, Texas. Porter received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Houston in 1974, with a focus on the biochemistry of learning. He completed a year of teaching and post-doctorate study at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis and returned to Houston.
Porter was a psychologist with the Texas Department of Corrections and Brenham State School. Upon moving to Austin in 1977, Porter worked with the Texas State Legislature analyzing voter behavior and election statistics. In 1983 Porter started a company, Doc’s Lawn Service, which he owned and operated for over ten years. Returning to psychology, he became Chief of Psychology at Mexia State School until his retirement from the State. Porter drew from his education and experience to start another successful company, Psychological Services. He consulted in the care of the intellectually disabled with psychiatric problems from the early 1990’s until 2020. For many of his clients, he considered himself a parental ally.
Throughout his life, Porter traveled to many countries and within the United States. One of his favorite places to visit was Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada. He was a national parks enthusiast, with a fondness for Yellowstone National Park.
On December 30, 1972 Porter married Peggy Lynn Anderson in Colfax, Louisiana. They settled in Austin in 1977 and had three children, William, Rebecca, and Ella. He is survived by Peggy and their children; his niece Dannielle and her husband Ron Ingalls; his nephew Varney Elfering; and many cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sarah Ann Hunter, and his cousin Lela “Peaches” Wesche.
A memorial service will be held on April 16 at 2 pm, Weed-Corley Fish Event Center. Donations may be made to ARC of the Capitol Area in lieu of flowers. The family wishes to thank the caregiving teams of Hospice Austin, Brookdale Hospice, and Home Care Assistance.
Remembrances may be left at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lakeway-tx/porter-laird-10106293.
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