Obituary of Nathan Wayne Porter

Nathan Wayne Porter, 70, of Davin, departed this life on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after a short illness. He was born on October 18, 1954, to Vernice Roberts Porter of Crown and the late Robert Porter. He was preceded in death by his son Nathaniel Phillip "Bud" Porter, Maternal grandparents George and Abbie Roberts, Paternal grandparents Robert and Virginia Porter, and his father-in-law Arnold Toler. A proud graduate of Man High School's Class of 1972, Nathan dedicated over 40 years of his life as an electrician in the mining industry, earning the respect of his peers as a member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). Nathan, an avid fisherman, spent countless hours by the water, finding peace in nature. He cherished fishing and took great pride in teaching others the sport. He was passionate about growing his vegetables and couldn't wait to share them with his family and friends. In addition, Nathan loved working with his hands and spent many years building and creating in his shed. Nathan was known for his favorite phrase, "When all else fails, read the instructions," a reminder of his practical problem-solving nature. He had a great love for movies, with Groundhog Day being one of his favorites. He also enjoyed watching a Christmas Story and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation during the holiday season, films that brought laughter and warmth to his home year after year. Nathan was a devoted husband to Helen Porter, his loving wife of over 50 years. Together, they built a family filled with love and cherished memories. Nathan was a source of pride and joy to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he adored deeply. Nathan's legacy is hard work, dedication, and boundless love for his family. His warm smile, quick wit, and steadfast spirit will forever be missed by those who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen Porter of Davin, four daughters, Michelle Toler Porter and fiance' Angela Melcher of Asheboro, N.C., Bridget Francis and her fiance' Mitch Poole of Winston Salem, N.C., Faith Porter and her fiance' Cameron Gaikowski of Braholm, Abigail and Chris Poore of Bluefield; 5 Grandchildren, Jackson Porter and Mindy Browning of Cyclone, Tobie Porter of Switzer, Nathan and Sydney Porter of Davey Hollow, Josie Poole and Quinn Poole both of Winston Salem, N.C.; 2 Great-grandchildren, Paisley Porter of Madison, Amelia Porter of Davey Hollow, his mother, Vernice Roberts Porter of Crown; 3 Sisters, Charlotte Porter of Crown, Yvonne and Larry Maulk of Pecks Mill, Lisa and Paul Morton of Charlottesville, V.A. Mother-in-Law, Anna Mae Toler of Davin, 4 Sisters-in-Law, Ruby Toler of Daniels, Emily Buckner of Summersville, Jean Graham of Robinette, Loraine and Kenny Workman of Davin; 4 Brothers-in-law, Sonny and Emmie Toler of Cool Ridge, Jerry and Sherry Toler of Davin, Dean and Tenni Toler of Gastonia, N.C. and Glen Jones of Beaver, along with many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, at the Toler Baptist Church, with Rev. Merle Walls officiating and assisted by Brother Kenny Workman. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Pallbearers are Jackson Porter, C.J. Justice, Chris Poore, Cameron Gaikowski, Mitch Poole, and Bobby Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers are Nathan Porter, Jerry Toler, Chris Justice, Charlie Osborne, and Marion Damron.