Robert Lee Porterfield

Robert Lee Porterfield, 78, died May 3, 2026. He was born on July 8, 1947, in Radford, VA, to Vera Jean Robinette and Erwin (Bob) Coolidge Porterfield. The son of a major league baseball pitcher, Robert’s early years were marked by traveling to ballgames and time spent around other major leaguers—experiences that gave him a lifetime of vivid stories about legendary ballparks and players. He attended Newberry Junior College, played one year of basketball, and later joined the Army.

Robert served in the United States Army and received a National Defense Medal. He went on to a career defined by steady dedication and integrity as a firefighter/engineer with the Charlotte Fire Department—work that reflected a strong sense of duty and an honest commitment to others.

On May 2, 1970, Robert married Sharon Lucille Siert in Omaha, Nebraska. Together they raised two daughters, Megan and Ashley. Robert was a deeply involved athletic parent who never missed a softball or basketball game for either daughter, faithfully supporting them through their college careers and setting an enduring example of perseverance and encouragement.

Robert’s life was filled with energy and bold curiosity. He pursued rock and ice climbing across the US, Canada, and Scotland, and was a stellar athlete in the Grandfather Mountain Scottish Highland Games. He enjoyed weight training and basketball, and he took to the track as well—racing a his BMW X5 on various race tracks. He delighted in German culture, wearing his lederhosen to German fests, drinking German beer, yodeling, and dancing. Just as happily, he wore a kilt and spoke with pride about the Porterfield name in the Clan MacNaughton. A natural host, Robert loved gathering friends and family, often opening his Charlotte home to parties filled with loud music, beer, laughter, and the kind of memory sharing that keeps people close.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Erwin, and by his wife, Sharon. He is survived by his daughters Megan (Porterfield) Hodde (Jonathan Hodde) of Estes Park, CO, and Ashley (Porterfield) Baxla (Gene Baxla) of Vale, NC; his siblings Cindi Conrad (Ed) of Charlotte, NC and Sandi Bailey (Ron) of Atlanta, GA; and his grandchildren Ian and Bailey Hodde (son and daughter of Megan and Jon) and Summer and Samantha Baxla (daughters of Ashley and Gene). Robert will be united with his best buddy, Schnapps, his beloved Dachshund.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Dementia Together of Northern Colorado or The Estes Dementia Day Center. Please visit www.allnuttestespark.com to leave fond memories and condolences to the family.