Colonel Paul Franklin Porter, USAF (Ret.)

Colonel Paul Franklin Porter, USAF (Ret.), 80, of Wilson, passed away peacefully into the loving hands of his Savior, Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at his home. He was born in Hayti, Mo., Oct. 24, 1940, to Olen Porter and Hazel (Drye) Porter. He later moved to Manila, where he grew up as a child and met his future wife, across the cotton patch between their houses, Wanda Ann Vermillion.  He enjoyed flying, sky diving, riding his Harley motorcycle that has been in the family for over 33 years, watching old Westerns and, most of all, spending time with his son and grandkids. Paul was a 1958 graduate of Manila High School. Right after graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. Paul proudly served his country in the USAF, retiring as a colonel after 31 years of active-duty service. He was selected by the AF to attend the University of Wyoming where he received his BS in Civil Engineering and was then commissioned 2nd lieutenant. Later he was selected to attend the University of Cincinnati where he received his MS in Environmental Engineering. He was stationed throughout the USA, Iceland, Turkey, Philippines, Thailand and other overseas countries. As a chief bioenvironmental engineer, along with his fellow bioenvironmental engineers, they were instrumental in getting the hazards of Agent Orange recognized. Paul was also a licensed professional engineer and a certified industrial hygienist. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, USAF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal with Star, along with several other ribbons. His badges were the Chief Biomedical Science Corps Badge and the Senior Missileman Badge. His favorite assignments were with the 308th Strategic Missile Wing at Little Rock AFB AR. the USAF and Navy Weapons Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM, and at an unspecified research base. After retiring from the USAF, he worked at the Nevada Test Site where nuclear weapons were tested and again at the unspecified research base. As department leader, his department was recognized by the Department of Energy and given the "Award of Excellence in the Nuclear Weapons Program." On numerous occasions, Paul stated that he could not have accomplished these things without the support and strength given to him by his beloved wife, Wanda. Together, they traveled all over the world. Paul was preceded in death by his father Olen Porter a WWII veteran, his mother Hazel (Drye) Porter; son SSGT Garry Porter U.S. Army; brother Ralph Porter; sister Edith Watkins Porter and sister Bonnie Dean Porter.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Wanda Ann (Vermillion) Porter of the home; a son, Cody Porter, (Vera) of Jacksonville; a brother, retired Colonel Billy Ray Porter, U.S. Army of Powderly, Texas; three grandsons, SSGT Christopher Porter USAF at Lackland AFB Texas, SGT Jensyn Porter, U.S. Army of Stockton, Calif., and Anthony Hill of Bryant; one granddaughter, Laura Porter of Jacksonville; one great-grandson Allen Ellwood of Jacksonville. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Paul will be fondly remembered as "Colonel P." He always treated others with dignity and respect, and offered a helping hand to all, especially to his In School Suspended students (ISS) at Rivercrest High School in Wilson. His family and friends will remember his kindness, integrity and humble spirit.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Paul Huenefeld officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will include Lacy Brewer, Jonathan Stephens, Robert Stephens, Richard Stephens, Clinton Wheeler and Kevin Goble. The family will accept visitors from 5:30-8 on Sunday evening at the funeral home. Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com