Gene Porter, 88, of Columbia, passed away December 18, 2023. He was born on August 2, 1935, in Montgomery, Alabama. Gene, also known as Millard Eugene Porter Sr, was an outgoing and charismatic person, and people were drawn to him. Gene had a keen analytical mind that served him well as a young man in the Army and later in his career with computers. He was handsome and fit, playful and smart. Part daredevil and part practical joker, Gene enjoyed telling stories about his past antics, and he always had a joke up his sleeve. He had many friends and loved socializing and having fun with them. He led an active lifestyle and embraced various activities throughout his life, including running, boating, fishing, and hunting. He was fond of the YMCA and often spoke about its importance in his youth. Gene’s dedication to fitness extended well into his eighties, and he regularly worked out at a local gym. Even as his health declined rendering him unable to continue with the gym, he insisted on daily physical therapy exercises to maintain upper body strength – Gene was a fighter.
Gene served as a Specialist Second Class of the United States Army Security Agency in the Korean War. After his military service, he pursued a successful career. Gene worked as an Executive VP with Blue Cross Blue Shield, which took him to live in San Juan, Puerto Rico for two years. In Greensboro, NC, he was a VP of sales for Honeywell Computers.
With his wife Brenda, Gene lived fully and embraced each moment with enthusiasm and laughter. Together they embarked on memorable cruises, attended parties and social events, and hosted family and friends frequently. Their love was easy, relaxed, and complete.
Gene was very close to his brother Cordell, and it was important to Gene that they continue to reunite in person even in old age. He was immensely proud of his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, and found such joy in hearing about their daily lives and accomplishments. His love for dogs was a constant throughout his life, and his pet dogs held significant value to him in his later years.
Remembering Gene means cherishing a life marked by a sense of humor, determination, and a commitment to the things that truly mattered to him.
Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife Brenda Childress Porter, his brother Cordell Porter of Greenville,, and his children Kathryn Pledger and her husband Mark of Aledo, Texas, Millard Porter Jr. and his wife Jo of Lake Park, Florida, and Allison Allmendinger and her husband Todd of Essex, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his stepchildren Scott Gerber and his wife Jennifer of Columbia, and Katie and her husband Frederick Glenn of Chapin. Gene is survived by his grandchildren Kristin and Kellyn Schmitz, Jenevah and Avery Porter, Elyssa and Gabrielle Allmendinger, Steven Gerber, Austin and Jessie Glenn, and his great-grandchildren Ellie Porter, Lyla Allmendinger, and Bonnie & Audrey Hall. Gene was preceded in death by his grandson, Stanton Schmitz, his half brother Winston Porter, and his parents Sumter and Kathryn Porter.
A memorial service to honor Gene was held Friday, December 29, at 11 am at Dunbar Funeral Home. The burial service was at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions the family requests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Or Pawmetto Lifeline at 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
