Billy Charles Porter, age 86, of Cross Plains, Texas passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025. A memorial service will be held at the Texas Veterans Cemetery in Abilene near Billy’s 87th birthday July 27, 2025.
Billy was born to Ben U. Porter and Elsie Mae Harris Porter on July 27, 1938, in Burkett, Texas. He spent his early years in Burkett before the family moved to Cross Plains when Billy was in fifth grade. He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1957. Billy served in the United States Army from May 1962 to August 1967. He was a part of a USAR Control Group (ANN TNG) VIII USA Corps and served in Germany earning a Sharpshooter (Rifle M-1) Award. On October 9, 1965 Billy married his sweetheart, Judy Fortune.
Billy was employed by Arcadia Oil Company where he worked as a pumper for 10 years. He retired in 1997 from 3-M Company after working as a press operator for 30 years. Billy was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Cross Plains for many years. He enjoyed road hunting, golf, and western movies.
Billy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Fortune Porter; children, Charles Chris Porter of Snyder and Tommy Lynn Porter and wife Audrey of Cross Plains; grandchildren, Tyler Porter and wife Caroline, Payton Porter, Taylor Mitchell and husband Lane; great-grandchildren, Wes Mitchell, Finn Porter and J.D. Mitchell; sister, Bonnie Illingsworth of Iowa Park, Texas; special nieces and nephews, Terry Fortune, Jerry Fortune, James Illingsworth, Vicki Gilmore, Cindy Langlois and Deana Terstegge; Billy’s special 1957 classmates, Bonita (McCowen) Horton, David Jennings, J.B. Bodine, Jackie Pancake and Mike McClure.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his siblings, W. B. Porter, Betty Baxter and Tommy Porter.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution to the Cross Plains Senior Citizens Center 108 N. Main St., Cross Plains, TX 76443 or by calling then at 254 725-6521 or to the charity of your choice.