John C. Porterfield

Former Smyrna Mayor John C. Porterfield passed away on March 17, 2016 following a battle with lung cancer. Mayor Porterfield was predeceased by his first wife and former Smyrna First Lady, Betty Porterfield, who passed away in 1996, and is survived by his current wife, Mary T. Porterfield. John had one son, John Michael Porterfield. He also leaves behind daughter-in-law Ginger Vines Porterfield, grandchildren Christopher Porterfield, Justin Porterfield, and Brittany Harvil Leggett, as well as five great-grandchildren (soon to be six), and several nieces and nephews.

Mayor Porterfield will be remembered for always giving his time to Smyrna, Georgia, the community that he loved, and that loved him back. His early involvement with the Smyrna Jaycees and other local civic organizations set the stage for his later service in politics. John began his political career as a Smyrna City Councilman, serving there for ten years before being elected Mayor in 1970. John also served as Chairman of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, Founder and Original Board Chairman of Smyrna Hospital, Founder and Original Board Chairman of Ridgeview Institute, and Founding Board Member of The Georgian Club. One of John's greatest passions was The Center for Children and Young Adults (originally known as Open Gate), and his devotion to that charitable organization spanned many years. John was a member of Roswell Street Baptist Church and Agape Sunday school class. Both John and Mary were active and long-time volunteers at Kennestone Hospital, with John serving as President of the Volunteer Staff in addition to his more than twelve years of volunteer service.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Korean War aboard the USS Midway. He was retired from The Insurance Store, where he was a partner and executive for more than 25 years.

Arrangements will be handled by Mayes Ward-Dobbins funeral home in Marietta, where the family will welcome visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th. A memorial service will be held there on Monday, March 21st, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s honor to either The Center for Children and Young Adults (online at http://ccyakids.org) or The WellStar (Kennestone Hospital) Foundation (online at www.wellstar.org/foundation).

Burial arrangements under the direction of Kennesaw Memorial Park.