William Sanders Porter Jr.

Some people leave behind memories. Bill Porter left behind a legacy you can see, touch, and feel throughout the community he called home for nearly five decades.

Bill loved his family fiercely, worked hard his entire life, and believed your word meant something. He was genuine, caring, dependable, and honest—sometimes brutally so. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, a completely genuine smile, and absolutely no patience for bullshit. If you knew Bill, you knew exactly where you stood with him, and chances are, you have a story to tell about him.

Bill came to Englewood in 1972 and loved to tell the story of how he hitchhiked across the Skyway Bridge with little more than his toothbrush. What began as an adventure became the community where he would build his life, raise his family, establish his businesses, and leave a legacy that will remain for generations.

After arriving in Englewood, Bill immersed himself in the construction industry, learning every aspect of the trade before co-founding Newport Homes. His standards were uncompromising. Bill believed a job should be done right the first time, and he wouldn't accept anything less than quality craftsmanship. The subcontractors who worked alongside him knew what he expected, respected him for it, and many of those professional relationships grew into lifelong friendships.

That respect carried forward when Bill and his son, Elijah “Eli” Porter, formed Porter Contracting, Inc. Working alongside Eli during the final years of his career, until his retirement, was one of Bill's greatest sources of pride.

The true measure of Bill's work could be seen years later. After Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, former customers—some whose homes Bill had built many years before—sent notes and cards telling him how well their homes had weathered the storm and how safe and protected they had felt inside them. For a man who spent his career insisting that things be built the right way, there could have been few greater compliments.

Bill's impact on Englewood extended far beyond the homes he built. It would be difficult to find someone in the community who doesn't have a Bill Porter story or a memory of the way he touched their life. His word meant something. His handshake meant something. And if Bill told you something was going to get done, it got done.

Away from work, Bill was happiest outdoors. Hunting was a lifelong passion that took him from Georgia, where he and Susie once had their own cabin, to Canada, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Alaska, and Montana. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors, and never left home without his pocketknife.

Bill also knew exactly what he thought and generally wasn't shy about sharing it. One of his favorite sayings—usually delivered with that unmistakable Bill Porter sense of humor—was, “You can't fix stupid.” Those who knew him best will undoubtedly hear his voice whenever they hear those words.

Above everything else, Bill loved his family.

He was a proud father and devoted Grandpa who rarely missed an opportunity to be in the stands for a youth baseball or soccer game. His children and grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride, and he loved his family more than life itself.

Bill met Susie in 2005 on the courthouse steps in Venice, Florida. They married in 2009 and shared a life filled with family, hunting, fishing, travel, laughter, and adventure. Some of their favorite memories were made in the woods of their cabin in Georgia, where they took every opportunity to get away and spend time doing the things they loved.

But perhaps the simplest things said the most about the way Bill loved his wife.

Bill was the husband who left little notes for Susie to find, just because he wanted her to know he was thinking about her. The very first note he ever left for her was tucked onto the windshield of her car. More than twenty years later, that note still sits on her desk.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susie Porter; his children, Kelly Lee, Elijah Porter (Spouse Jennifer Porter), and Kendra Jayne Porter; his grandchildren, Liam Porter, Declan Porter, and Robert Cassesse; his brothers, Joe Porter and Charlie Porter; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William S. Porter, Sr., and Dorothy Porter, and his brother, Gary Porter.

Bill spent nearly five decades in Englewood building things meant to last. He built homes that sheltered families. He built businesses founded on craftsmanship and integrity. He built relationships that became friendships. He built a legacy alongside his son. And he built a life and a family that he loved beyond measure.

The homes bearing his craftsmanship will remain throughout Englewood for generations. But Bill's greatest legacy will live in the people who knew him, learned from him, laughed with him, worked beside him, loved him—and have a Bill Porter story of their own.

A celebration of life will be held on October 24th at the Circus Ranch on Crestwood Road in Englewood, FL. Come join us from 5 pm to 10 pm for a "Bill Porter" style celebration. The memorial service will begin at 5:30, and then stay and enjoy some live music, memories, and great food (Smoke & Thyme). Bring your stories and share!