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Obituary for Porter Brice Williams

Porter Brice Williams, 87, of Shinnston, passed away Monday, September 19, 2016 at the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Hospital. He was born in Clarksburg, WV on June 14, 1929, a son of the late Levi Delbert and Lula Maude (Shreves) Williams, of Wilsonburg, WV.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 41 years on January 1, 2000, Ruth Campbell Williams, whom he met by a letter she wrote to him while serving in the US Navy. Porter and Ruth were later married in October of 1958.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family having been preceded in death by 8 brothers and sisters; Garnet Davisson, Zelma Fretwell, Walter Williams, Ethel Alton, Madge Crews, Clarance Williams and Garvin Williams, one infant brother, Garfield Williams and one special friend who was like a brother, Nevin Steen.

His is survived by his two sons, Steven Lynn Williams, at home and Rory Thomas Williams and his wife Toni Salerno Williams, Clarksburg, WV. In addition to his sons he leaves behind two granddaughters who were the apples of his eye, Aubrie Rose and Aliza Grace Williams, both at home. He is also survived by one sister-in-law Francis Williams, Clarksburg, one special sister-in-law, Jane Steen, Enterprise and several very special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, who were an important part of his life.

Porter graduated from Victory High School in 1947 and worked in the warehouse for Clarksburg Drug Company before enlisting in the US Army in Nov 1949. He was very proud of his military service and was a true American Patriot. Porter served during the Korean War as an Army Medic, being landed in the Pusan Perimeter at the beginning of that conflict and having served in numerous field and base hospitals during that time.

After his tour of duty in the US Army, he came home and attended Fairmont State for one semester. He later decided to rejoin the military in the US Navy in Feb. 1954. He first served aboard the USS Mellette for a year in the Atlantic and eventually became a Navy Hospital Corpsman working in base hospitals in Norfolk, VA. He was then transferred to Camp Pendleton in California to serve with the US Marine Corp. During that time of his service he had the unique opportunity to do mountain training at Pikes Peak in Colorado and water landing exercises in Hawaii, the footage of which was used to make the WWII movie, South Pacific.

After service to his country, he again worked for the Clarksburg Drug Co, later to become Cardinal Health for his entire working career, having retired after 33 years as a wholesale drug sales representative. He spent the last 22yrs of his working career calling on and providing valuable service to independent pharmacies all over North Central West Virginia. He had a reputation for providing excellent service and support to all of his customers.

He was a faithful member of Jewel City Church, the Clarksburg VFW, and the Shinnston American Legion. He was a supporter of numerous Veterans organizations and faithful patron of the Shinnston Lowe Public Library.

During his early retirement years he enjoyed restoring antique furniture, walking his dog, and planting gardens. More recently he loved to follow the activities of his two busy grand-daughters, was an avid reader and sports fan, and loved to spend time with his good friends at the Shinnston McDonalds, Jimmy’s Diner and Ellis Restaurant, making regular daily rounds and keeping up with all the local news.

Porter never knew a stranger and always had a smile and a good word for anyone he met. He had many friends. He set a great example as an American Patriot, Husband, Father and Grandfather and will be sorely missed by those who loved him. He was also the devoted caregiver to his oldest son up until the week before his passing.

Memorial contributions are requested to be made in Porter's memory to Lowe Public Library, 40 Bridge Street, Shinnston, WV 26431

Friends will be received at Jewel City Church, Haywood Road, Shinnston, WV on Thursday, from 2-9 PM, and on Friday from 9 – 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at Jewel City Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 with Pastor Robert Shingleton presiding. Interment will follow at the Lions Cemetery in Lumberport where Military Funeral Honors will be accorded by the Harrison County Honor Guard.





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