Michael G. "Mike" Porter

MICHAEL G. "MIKE" PORTER

Michael George Porter was born on August 16, 1946, in Atlanta's Grant Park neighborhood to James Ray Porter and Norma Lee (Glenn) Porter. His childhood was shaped by time spent with family, including his brother, James, Jr. and sister, Laurie. He often spoke of happy memories on the ancestral farm near Shiloh, Georgia, amidst the tall trees and high hills, and under the starry sky.

After graduating from Forest Park High School, Michael joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served his country with honor in locations including Guam, helping support operations in Southeast Asia. During his military service, Michael met the love of his life, Rebecca Ann Morris (Becky). They were married in 1966.

Upon completing his military service, he began working for Delta Air Lines in his hometown of Atlanta - continuing to strengthen the aircraft mechanics skills he'd learned in the Air Force. He remained with Delta until his retirement, building a distinguished career and many friendships along the way.

In the early years of their marriage, Michael and Becky welcomed two daughters: Kellie Marie in 1969 and Shannon Michelle in 1972. Theirs was a loving and happy home.While living in Fairburn, Georgia, Michael and his family established Frosty Hollow Christmas Tree Farm and operated it for many years, to the delight of customers, many of whom visited every year. It was a labor of love that reflected the wonder of his favorite holiday.

Michael and Becky moved to Franklin, Georgia, in 2006 and spent the next two decades enjoying time with family - especially their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a devoted Christian who faithfully served his Savior and the congregations of which he was a member, including Calvary Baptist Church. He was a talented and diligent craftsman who never hesitated to lend a hand for a building or repair project. He was always generous with his time and resources. Above all, he truly loved his family.

Michael is survived by his wife, Becky, of Franklin; brother Jimmy Porter; sister Laurie Borders; daughters, Kellie and her husband Roger Burks of Copenhagen, and Shannon and her husband Anthony Pritchard of Franklin; grandsons Jed Porter and his wife Anna, Asa Burks, and Boone Smith; great-grandchildren Bella and Darrow Porter; and dozens of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, family members, and friends.

He is remembered with love and deep gratitude for his time with us on Earth, and we look forward to meeting again in Heaven.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, in the Chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville. The Reverend Scott Hannah and the Reverend Andrew Owensby will officiate and interment will be 12:30 p.m., Monday, June 8, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, AL, with military honors.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, prior to the funeral service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

Claude A. McKibben and sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements,