PHONE: (972) 562-2601 Thomas Henry Porter February 27, 1945 - July 24, 2017 Dr. Thomas (Tom) Henry Porter Dr. Thomas (Tom) Henry Porter, 72, of Mesquite, TX passed away on July 24, 2017. A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be held at Cox Chapel, Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX at 10:00 am, Friday July 28 th. Dr. Porter was born in Bastrop, Louisiana on February 27, 1945. He graduated from Bastrop High School and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Music Education from Northeast Louisiana State College. His passion for music ministry led him to pursue his Masters of Church Music and Doctorate of Church Music Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Porter spent his career as an Ordained Minister and Minister of Music, Education and Administration in churches throughout the southeast. He enjoyed family, music, hymnology, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was actively involved in the Mississippi Singing Churchmen, Hattiesburg City Concert Band, and many other choral ensembles. Tom was generous in sharing his musical talents and gifts with others and mentored many church musicians along the way. Tom married Nanna W. Porter on December 21, 1968. As an accomplished musician herself and his primary accompanist, she served with him throughout their marriage of forty-eight years. Tom is survived by his wife, Nanna W. Porter, his son, Thomas Randall Porter, and wife Gina Porter, and their children Mason, Mackenzie, and Molly, his daughter, Annette Porter Palm, her husband, John Palm, and children, J.P. and Lily, two brothers, Harry L. Porter and Richard Andrews Porter. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Harry Porter, twin brother, William Edward Porter, brother, Charles LaPrade Porter, and sister, Mary Lou Porter Herrington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given. Dr. Porter recently donated all his research on Homer
Rodeheaver, including his collection of 200 albums and 76 hymnals to the Mississippi Baptist Historical Commission at Mississippi College. Donations can be made in his memory to the Mississippi Baptist Historical Commission at PO Box 4024 Clinton, MS 39058. Alternatively, given his lifelong commitment to the music ministry and emphasis on the importance of the local church, donations may be made to the music ministry of your local church. Memorials Porter Family, It has been my pleasure over the last several years to know Randall and because of that relationship, Tom and Nan, as well. Even though I only had a few occasions to be around Tom, those occasions were quite memorable because of Tom s obvious love of life, people, music and his relationship with God. I will never forget being able to sing Christmas carols with him and share in his and Nan s musical talents and passion for celebrating the reason for the season. I am deeply saddened by your loss and pray that the Lord will give you peace during this time of grief, and joy as you celebrate his spiritual homecoming. ERICK RUCKER, JULY 28, 2017 I am very sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Porter and would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Porter family and all that knew him. I was fortunate to be around Mr. Porter a few times during our work holiday party at his son Randall's house. Mr. Porter and his wife were the highlight of the party each time, Mrs. Porter on the piano and Mr. Porter singing Xmas songs while the rest of us tried to stay in tune and follow along. Mr. Porter was a joy to be around. My wife and I send prayers to the Porter Family and those close to Mr. Porter. Sincerely, Jeff & Ligia Zimmerman JEFF ZIMMERMAN, JULY 28, 2017 Randall, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace Thomas Henry Porter. Scott, Elizabeth, Chloe and Warren Roslund THE ROSLUND FAMILY, JULY 28, 2017 No truer friend, no finer musician, no better man could be found than Dr. Tom Porter. He will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Deepest condolences to Nan and the whole family.
MRS. RON MCCALL (MITTLELEE), JULY 27, 2017 Dearest Nan, Annette, and Randall, Our family has broken hearts because of Tom's illness and death. It is hard to imagine our world without his presence, which was always an enhancement to any life he touched. He meant so much to each of us, in a unique way to each of us. Carroll, Joel, Jennifer and I are sad that we cannot be with you for the Memorial Service. You are constantly in our thoughts and silent prayer. Our love will always be with you. ANNELLE INGRAM, JULY 26, 2017 Nan, I am so sorry about Tom. We were all praying his health would return to normal. You were both so dear to Eastridge Park. It was such a pleasure to have you two in our lives. My condolences to you and your family. CLARA WINKLER, JULY 26, 2017 My thoughts and prayers are with you Nan, Annette, Randall, and family during this difficult time. Tom was a true saint, a gifted musician, and a good friend. I will always cherish the time we spent together in leading the music ministry at Eastridge Park. DAVID RODGERS, JULY 25, 2017 Randall, Gina, and family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of great loss. Know that you will be lifted up to the Father as you seek His peace now and in the days ahead. I rejoice with you that Dr. Porter inherited the eternal prize we all live each day to receive...rest, peace, and wholeness in the arms of Jesus. May God continue to give you comfort. TRACY ROBINSON, JULY 25, 2017 Dear Nan, Randall, Annette and family, please know that my children's and my memories are filled with the presence of Tom Porter. And they are precious memories. God be with you, and we are with you in prayer and thoughts. We love you. GARLINDA WALLS, JULY 25, 2017 Nan, I am sorry for your loss. I can say that I was truly blessed to have known both of you. He was always there for your music students and always shared his pictures with them. You were blessed with many years together. I
remember him fondly. DIANNA CHMELICEK, JULY 25, 2017 I am so sorry to hear this. Tom was the music minister at Eastridge Park Christian church for several years. I really enjoyed getting to know him and singing and playing (bells) under his direction. EDITH SMITH, JULY 25, 2017 My Dear Porter Family, I am extremely sorry for your loss. May the Peace of Our Lord be with you at this time. Ann Hartfield & Family ANN HARTFIELD, JULY 25, 2017 Dr. Porter was an important figure in the church of my youth (University Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, MS), and I always loved when he himself would sing. I will always remember him singing 'Ring The Bells' at Christmas Eve Service. My prayers are for you and your family in this difficult time. PENNY WALLS-BROOKS AND JOHN BROOKS, JULY 25, 2017 Nan, Randall, and Annette, Tom was an amazing musician and mentor to me, and to countless others whom he guided in musical praise. Know that we carry him with us each time we raise our voices. My prayers are lifted for your comfort in this time of loss. Truly, today the angels are rejoicing the new addition to their holy choir. All my love, Karen KAREN BODENHAMER SUPAK, JULY 25, 2017 I am so very thankful that I was allowed to sing in a choir led by Tom. He demanded great sound, and he got it, all for the Lord. ALETA SULLIVAN, JULY 25, 2017 I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom's life has touched many lives and encouraged so many in their walk through life. My love and prayers go out to Nan, Randall and his family and Annette and her family through this very difficult time. JANIS FREEMAN, JULY 25, 2017
Family Owned Since 1945 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is the premier provider of funeral services in North Texas, with seven convenient locations and three beautiful memorial parks. We are a locally owned family business that has served North Texas for over 70 years. Families who visit us receive the highest quality of professionalism and service, with compassion and care that are unsurpassed. Copyright 2015 (972) 562-2601