Ernest, “Ernie” or “Papa” as many called him, was born in Adrian, Georgia, on April 15, 1936. Ernest was the oldest of eight and married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Wilson, on March 8, 1957. Ernest was a beloved member and leader of Life Church McDonough., serving as a Sunday School teacher for decades. On Saturdays, he cheered on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Every other day, he spent working on his garden, sitting on the porch, and talking with visitors.
Papa was preceded in death by his parents, William Milton and Dorothy Louise Porter; brother Bobby Porter; sister Sandra Martin; son Ernest Keith Porter; and granddaughter Heather Marie Phillips Henderson.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Shirley Porter of McDonough; daughter and son-in-law Twilla Porter and Jeff Phillips of Meansville; sisters Faye Cenkner of Wrightsville, Mary Woods of Swainsboro, BAnn (Larry) Royal of Statesboro, and Linda Porter of Metter; and brother Jack Porter of Metter; grandchildren Ryan and Holly Porter of Cumming; Tori Porter of Pooler; Natasha Porter and Bobby Kelsch of Valdosta; and Amber Porter of McDonough; as well as seven great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may visit the family on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough, GA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Life Church McDonough with Pastor Bryon Beesley presiding and Pastor Robby Mullinax giving the eulogy. Burial will take place at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
