Michael Jay Porter

Mike was born on December 14, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to Edna Earle Willoughby Porter and Julius Vinson Porter, Jr.

Mike was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was the people he loved. He had an extraordinary gift for making others feel like family, and countless friends experienced his generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support throughout his life.

Mike grew up in Texas, alongside his beloved younger sister, Linda Kay Charney, whom he loved dearly. When Mike was young, his father answered a calling from God to become a Baptist minister, leading the family to southeastern Oklahoma. Those years were not always easy. There were times when food was scarce and the kitchen cabinets were nearly bare, but their faith, love for one another, and commitment to serving others kept them a close family.

Mike went on to graduate from high school in Oklahoma and earned college credits at the University of Oklahoma. He joined the Army Reserve before serving as an Oklahoma City Police Officer. His law enforcement career was cut short after he was diagnosed with melanoma, a battle most feared he would not survive. True to his resilient spirit, Mike overcame the odds. He described getting through infusion treatments by imagining bass swimming through his veins and eating all of the cancer. Once his health returned, he switched paths to become a private investigator and went on to establish United Research, a business he owned and operated for decades. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to own several restaurants and bars throughout his career.

On April 9, 1995, Mike married the love of his life, Paula Marie Porter, at the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Botanical Gardens, beginning a partnership that would span nearly three decades. Together they built Casa Perico Mexican Grille, which grew to five locations at its height. Mike and Paula worked side by side for nearly 20 years before selling the business in 2015. They remained loyal supporters, frequently visiting the restaurants and fixing all of equipment Mike knew the ins and outs to.

Mike was the proud father of four children: sons Ryan Porter and Clint Porter from his first marriage, and daughters Rachel Porter and Rebecca Porter from his second marriage. While Mike and Paula did not have children together, they lovingly raised two of their grandsons, Taylor Kinney and Brandon Kinney.

Mike was a man of many passions and hobbies. Whether he was fishing, hunting, shopping for antiques, collecting baseball cards, or wandering through thrift stores and estate sales, he truly loved sharing them with others.

Fishing was woven throughout Mike’s life. His love for the water began in childhood, passed down by his father, J.V., and became a lifelong tradition he eagerly shared with his own family. From the fishing decor throughout his home to the dozens of tackle boxes in his garage, there was never any question where his heart belonged. Mike and Paula treasured the property they purchased where they could spend peaceful days fishing, and he made sure every one of his children knew how to string a rod, bait a hook, cast a line, and patiently wait for the next bite. Mike even went on to patent and produce the “Troll King” so that one could “Keep both hands on the reel”.

Mike’s love for the “good deal” was a weekly and even daily adventure. He would often map out where he needed to be and make sure to hit up all the spots along the way. Owners of pawn shops, antique stores, thrift stores, and estate sales knew him well. He always seemed to know when new inventory would arrive and where the best bargains could be found. He had a sharp eye for quality and the ability to spot a priceless antique hidden among common objects.

Mike and Paula opened their home for holidays, backyard pool parties, fish fries, birthdays, and countless family dinners where everyone was welcomed, well-fed, and treated like family. Mike was famous for his breakfasts, his smooth margaritas, and the love he poured into every meal - even if that meal was cooked by Paula in which he would constantly give unsolicited advice. Some of the family’s favorite memories include the annual Mother’s Day fish fry, Christmas mornings surrounded by a mountain of presents, and watching him cook in his beloved Pepper Chef pants that somehow became part of every holiday tradition. These memories the family will cherish forever.

Mike will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, generous heart, and deep love for his family and everyone who crossed his path. It seemed there was hardly a place he could go, no matter the city or state, without running into someone who knew him or stopped to share a conversation. Through his businesses, his hospitality, and his genuine kindness, Mike left a lasting impression on countless lives. His legacy lives on in the traditions he created, the family he cherished, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula Marie Porter; his parents, Edna Earle Willoughby Porter and Julius Vinson Porter, Jr., his mother-in-law Doris Adams, and his cherished younger sister, Linda Kay Charney.

He is survived by his children, Ryan Porter and his daughters Elicia and Journee, Clint Porter and his wife Leslie, and their children Grant and Wrenna, Rachel Porter, and Rebecca Porter and her daughter Prudence, step-daughter Beth Thomas, her children Taylor Kinney and Brandon Kinney —whom Paula and Mike raised as their own—Alicia Deleon, Deanna Deleon, Kaydence, Karissa, Kirsten, Kelsey, and Kristian; his great-grandchildren Maisie Kinney and Zavier Davis; brother-in-law, Marc Charney, and nephews Josiah Charney, partner Marissa and daughters Lillian and Eleanor, Jacob Charney and wife Stephanie Smith-Charney and their daughter Ava, brother-in-law Rodney Adams; nephew, Matt Adams, wife Leilani and children Ethan and Jackson, niece, Rachel Adams and son Ryo; his extended family; and the countless friends who became family along the way.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034.

Graveside Interment Service will follow the Celebration of Life at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13313 N Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to organizations that were meaningful to Mike:

ACLU of Oklahoma (https://www.acluok.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Give Kids the World Village (https://give.gktw.org/campaign/648813/donate?c_src=default-donate&c_src2=website_referrer&redir=donate&utm_source=chatgpt.com)