SGM (Ret.) Warren Frank Porter

Retired Army SGM Warren Frank Porter, 91, of Fayetteville, NC, died Saturday, March 2, 2024, at his residence. 

SGM Porter served in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam.  He received the Occupation Medal (Germany), Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit.  He retired as a Sergeant Major after 32 years of service.  He also received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (with 8 Knots), Medal for Humane Action, National Defense Service Medal (with Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 Stars), Armed Forces Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (Navy), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with #5), Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

SGM Porter graduated from Ben Franklin High School, Rochester, NY, in 1951.  He then enlisted in the 323d Eng BN (CBT), 98th INF DIV (USAR) in April 1951, and worked at Eastman Kodak Company.  He volunteered for active duty in April 1953, and remained on active duty until June 1983.  He served as a combat engineer for 32 years.  Later, he went to work as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service. 

SGM Porter was active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years.  He was active with Pack & Troop 747, Lafayette District, and Occoneechee Council.  He was a Life Member with the National Lutheran Association on Scouting.  He was the recipient of the Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, Lamb Award Lutheran Church and Wood Badge. 

SGM Porter was a life-time member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, NCDA, TREA, TRSMCA, Americal Div, and NARFE.

SGM Porter was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church.  He served as the Charter Organizational representative to BSA for Pack & Troop 747 and served on the Property Committee. 

SGM Porter is survived by his wife, Willodene Phillips Porter of the home; son, Dr. Jeffery S. Porter of Washington DC; daughter, Stephanie L. King and husband Thomas of St. Augustine, FL; sister, Betty J. Tarbox of San Antonio, TX, granddaughters, Madison King (Emil), Jordan King (Tyler), and Peyton King (Luke); and great-granddaughters, Charlotte Rae, Parker Lynn, and great-grandson, Emerson King.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, with a funeral service beginning at 11:15 a.m., with the Rev. John Locke officiating.  Burial will follow, with full military honors, at Cumberland Memorial Gardens, 4509 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28304. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church for their Building Expansion Fund, 1424 Morganton Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28305.    

Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. 

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