Funeral Services for Mr. Gay Dan Portwood, age 88 of Rainbow City, will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Morgan Funeral Chapel with Bro. Jerry Epps officiating. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.
On September 28, 2023, Gay Dan Portwood, 88, passed away peacefully at home. He is proceeded in death by his parents Auburn and Nettie, his siblings Gloria, Leslie and Gene, his son Leslie Dale and his mother-in-law Olgalene Hawkins. Gay Day was named for Dr. Gay who delivered him, was the grandson of Confederate Veteran Rufus Hardbargain Wills.
“Portwood” as many friends called him, loved life and his family. He was a great father to his three daughters Deena Williams, Leesa Lyles (spouse Thomas) and Julie Todd (spouse Louis). He is also survived by his sister Rita Lynn Little, five grandchildren (Steven, Savanna, Hanna, L.B. and Andy) , five great-grandchildren (Daniel, Benjamin, Samantha, Amelia, and Nolan), Sister-in-Law Dale Hill (spouse Charlie), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews including Marionette Bishop.
Gay Dan was a proud member of Etowah High School’s Class of 1953. In addition to his 35+ year career as a millwright/machinist at Goodyear Tire and Rubber. he was an entrepreneur who farmed cattle, dabbled in real-estate and collected/ sold a lot of “merchandise’. He loved to quail hunt with his friend Copeland, fish and run the mullet net in Mobile Bay, collect model sailboats, and sing. He was an avid reader, reading 1000’s of books over his lifetime. Gay Dan loved to travel, especially on cruises. He was blessed with a fun-filled, adventurous life and those who had the privilege of knowing him, loved him.
Beyond all else Gay Dan loved and adored his wife Melba for more than 66 years.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Morgan Funeral Chapel from 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riddles Bend Baptist Church.
Morgan Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.morganfuneralchapel.com for the Portwood family.
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