George Porter—a kind, good, and godly man—went to heaven before us on August 31, 2026. He was 81.

George was born December 18, 1944, in Ashland, Kentucky, and spent most of his life in Texas. Over those 81 years, he accumulated an impressive list of titles and accomplishments: husband, father, grandfather, brother, athlete, combat medic, paratrooper, scientist, teacher, coach, Bible teacher, deacon, editor, publisher, and excellent woodworker.

But the people who loved George knew that none of those titles fully described him.

He was a man who loved God deeply, loved his family faithfully, remained endlessly curious about the world around him, and spent much of his life helping other people learn and grow.

At the center of George's life was his wife, Karen Rice Porter. George and Karen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year—six decades of love, partnership, adventure, ministry, family, and shared work. They weathered life's challenges, served God together, and walked side by side through a lifetime. Their marriage became the great story of both their lives.

Together they raised two children, Cherry and Brett, and their family eventually expanded to include their spouses and grandchildren. George treasured being a father and grandfather, and his family was one of the great joys of his life.

Long before many of the titles George would eventually hold, he was an exceptional athlete. At South Houston High School, he was a standout track star in the half-mile and mile, setting running records and earning a track scholarship to Louisiana State University. He continued competing at LSU until an injury brought his running career to an unexpected end. The discipline, determination, and perseverance that made him an outstanding runner would remain part of George throughout his life.

George was also a born teacher.

For more than 24 years, he taught science in both public and private schools. He could take something complicated and make it understandable—and something ordinary and make it fascinating. He brought that same gift to his Bible teaching, presentations, and writing, often connecting the intricacies of science with his wonder of the God who created it all.

During his years in education, George served as a curriculum team leader and on campus site-based committees, judged Science Olympiads, helped implement a pilot drug-awareness curriculum in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine, and coached tennis teams.

George graduated from Texas A&M University and continued graduate studies in physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology at Baylor College of Medicine. His scientific knowledge also became a means of serving others. As a bacteriologist in the Surgical Research Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center, he helped develop a lifesaving treatment for burn patients.

George's life of service began early. He served his country as a combat medic and paratrooper in Vietnam. The courage, compassion, and steadiness required for that calling were qualities he carried with him throughout his life.

His service extended to his church as well. George was a faithful leader in the church and served as a deacon for many years. His faith was not simply something he believed; it shaped the way he lived, served, taught, worked, and loved others.

In later years, George and Karen worked together in another venture they loved—publishing. George was co-owner of Bold Vision Books, an independent Christian publishing company, and StoneOak Press, a hybrid publishing company. He served as general manager, acquisitions editor, and publisher, helping authors bring their words and ideas into the world.

George accomplished much in 81 years.

But perhaps his life is best measured another way. By the students who learned from him.
By the authors he encouraged. By the people he taught about God. By the family who knew they were loved. By the woman who walked beside him for 60 years.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his daughter, Cherry McGregor and husband Dr. Craig McGregor of the Houston area, and his son, Brett Porter and wife Kathryn of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

He was a much-loved grandfather to Ashton Porter of Belfast, Ireland; Garrett and Jayden McGregor, Gracen and Kylie McGregor, and Gabi McGregor of the Houston area; and Clayton and T.J. Porter of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

George is survived by his sister Judy Wisdom and her husband Tom of Blanco, Texas; brothers Jay and Mike Webb; and sister Carole Walters of Ashland, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Del Porter of Coldspring, Texas; J. B., Elizabeth, and Beulah Webb of Ashland, Kentucky; and his much-loved in-laws, Monroe and Louise Rice of Iola, Texas.

Those who loved George now face the enormous emptiness left by his absence. But they also hold something death cannot take away: the influence of a life lived with faith, curiosity, integrity, kindness, and love.

Now the faith that shaped his life has become sight.

His family will celebrate George's life on Friday, September 18, at 4:00 p.m. at Grace Church of Houston, 14505 Gulf Freeway. Following the service, all guests are invited to share a meal and a time of visiting, remembering, and sharing stories with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to Sanctuary Home in India, a ministry especially loved by the family. Donations may be made through www.Jubileeaccord.org