Ellis "Butch" Porter

Ellis Porter was one of seventeen children born to the union of Jesse Porter and Frances DeShields. Ellis graduated from Overbrook High School, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ellis was an outgoing and artistic child. He enjoyed drawing.

After graduation from high school he attended the University of Pennsylvania for a short period. He left college and his hometown to pursue a career in singing and boxing. He met and married Corrine Alston in 1941. Ellis decided to fulfill his destiny by joining the westward migration.

Ellis, “Butch” as he came to be known by friends and family settled in Vallejo, California.

In 1943 he met his lifelong friend and future wife, Mary Annette Knight. They were united and blessed with three sons, Charles, Henry, Ellis and three daughters, Alease, Diane and Naomi. Ellis “Butch” was a living example of what it means to be a father.

“Butch” worked for Mare Island Naval shipyard after arriving in Vallejo. He also opened up an art studio. “Butch” worked for General Service Administrators, GSA, in Benicia before joining the Oakland police department. Upon leaving the police department he returned to work for GSA, as a supervisor. When Rough and Ready Island opened he relocated to Stockton. He worked for Rough and Ready Island for over 30 years. After retiring he spent his time volunteering at Boggs Tract Community Center taking meals to seniors. He became a helping hand at other community service organizations in Stockton. He embarked on his final career of sharing his time with family and friends.

Ellis “Butch” Porter, was preceded in death by his loving wife: Mary Porter; son: Henry Knight; daughter: Diane Hightower; grandson: Michael Chadwick; great grandsons: Michael Chadwick, Jr. and Charles Knight. Ellis “Butch” Porter leaves to cherish his memories two sons: Charles (Lessie) Knight from San Antonio, Texas; Ellis (Denise) Porter from Bakersfield, California; two daughters: Alease Johnson from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Naomi Laws from Stockton and son-in law, Zachary Laws; 24 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; surrogate daughter: Sandra Cabaldi, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.