Willie James Porter was born in Winston-Salem, NC on August 26, 1950 to the late Will Porter and Bessie Moses Samuels. Willie was raised in the home of his aunt Cleo Williams. Cleo instilled great values in Willie James. She taught him to cook and clean and to have a strong faith in God.

Willie attended the local schools and graduated from Atkins High School. He held fond memories of his childhood and often reminisced about going to the Patterson Avenue YMCA, Camp Robert Vaughn and Camp Civitan.

Willie Porter grew up in the Patterson Avenue community. He was very special to the Brown Family, especially Clark Brown, Sr. He had regular duties he performed at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home and would become very upset if anyone did his job before he arrived.

Willie was well known in the Patterson Avenue community and for walking around town. He could walk for miles. Every year he would walk to the fairgrounds and watch the trains unload the rides. Going to the fair was one of his favorite things to do and he talked about it all year. He also enjoyed fishing, riding to the mountains and listening to music, especially old Motown hits. Willie had an excellent memory and a great sense of direction.

Willie passed away at his residence on Thursday, July 18, 2024 after a period of declining health. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Ann and Brenda Samuels, his brothers, Ronald and Donald Samuels, and his aunt who raised him, Cleo Samuels Williams.

He is survived by his cousins, Jerone Samuels and Avista Jones, other relatives, his longtime caregivers and friends, Aaron and Angie Sowell, Carla Brown Rumph, and many other friends.

Public viewing will be held from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service, Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 12 noon in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, 2124 New Walkertown Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

For a copy of funeral program click here