Gerald Dean Porter

Gerald Dean Porter, 84, of Springdale, Ark., passed away Monday, July 10, 2017 at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. Gerald was born on February 26, 1933 in Brentwood, Ark., a son of Leonard Floyd Porter and Mable Myrtle Mills Porter. He married Edna Mae Preston on June 27, 1959 at the Baldwin Church of Christ. Gerald served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He then went to work for 30 years at The University of Arkansas Physical Plant. He was a master carpenter and also enjoyed hunting and gardening. Gerald was a member of the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ and an elder for over 20 years. He was active and very passionate about their Missions Teams. He mentored many and was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edna Preston Porter; two daughters, Susan and husband Tracy Taylor of Russellville, Ark., and Sharon and husband Royce Bailey of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; two brothers, Leon and Darrel Porter both of Fayetteville; six grandchildren, Zach Taylor (Stephanie), Kelsey Hodges (H. Clay), Grayson Taylor (Amanda), Colby Bailey, Connor Bailey, and Karaline Bailey; one great-grandchild, Pierce Taylor. Visitation will be held at the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ on Thursday, July 13, 2017 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2017. Harry Fitzgerald will officiate the service with burial being held at the Brentwood Cemetery under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale. To sign the online guest book, visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Robinson Avenue Church of Christ Missions Teams.