Charles W. Porter, Sr.

Bishop Charles W. Porter, Sr., 88, of Xenia, Ohio was called to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He was born August 7, 1931 to Alva A. Porter and Eva B. (Butler) Porter, the second oldest of 7 children. Bishop Charles W. Porter was a man of service. This includes his time in the United States Army from 1950 - 1953, where he received four Bronze Stars for his heroic achievement and meritorious service in the Korean War. An inventor and carpenter by nature, Charles was known for his inventions. In the January 10, 1967 edition of the Xenia Daily Gazette, Charles was featured alongside two of his children for his toy invention called the "Super Scoot." This is what we now know as a razor scooter and Charles was one of the first to envision it. He was quoted as calling it the "Cadillac of the scooter world." In 1972 at the age of 41, Charles was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost by Deacon Thomas Green of Dayton, Ohio under the leadership of Pastor Henry Jones of Bethel Temple at 936 East Second Street Xenia, Ohio. He was a dedicated member of the clergy including obtaining titles; such as, "The President of the Brotherhood" and "Building Fund Chairman." Later he was called to the ministry as an evangelist. He began preaching on street corners, in hospitals, taverns, jails, and wherever else the Lord sent him to spread the word. Elder Porter was also involved in his community including activism in local politics. It is documented that he was a part of an activist group pushing for Issue 4 in 1985, which was a version of "Healthcare for All" a battle we are still fighting today in 2020. After serving at Bethel Temple for many years, Elder Porter built and opened his own church called "The House of Deliverance" at 1094 E Church Street Xenia, Ohio. As his congregation grew, there was a need to build a larger church. With the help of his Deacons, a year later a new church was built down the street at 79 Jackson Street Xenia, Ohio. In his ministry, God sent Elder Porter to other places in the world to share his gifts of prophecy. Throughout this mission, he opened another "House of Deliverance" in Lithonia, Georgia, as well as, in California. This elevated Elder Porter to the title of Bishop and he was directed by the Lord to return home to Xenia and continue his work. House of Deliverance was then renamed "New Life Church of God", but maintained the same mission. To say that Bishop Porter was a pillar of his community would be an understatement. Throughout the past 50 years, Bishop Porter has officiated countless weddings and funerals, and performed numerous baptisms for his fellow Xenians. If spiritual guidance was needed in those five decades, Bishop Porter was at the tip of everyones tongue as the person to reach out to. Even in his final days, Bishop Porter never left the pulpit and never missed an opportunity to pray for someone in the name of Jesus. Bishop Charles W. Porter will be remembered by his family, friends, and congregation as a Man of God whose dedication and impact will be remembered and passed on for generations to come. It is his familys request that the impact of Bishop Porters love, hope and vision for his community will be passed on and never be forgotten. He leaves to cherish his memory: siblings, Richard (Aida) L. Porter, Francis J. Hill and Dorothy L. Randolph; children, Charles (Cynthia) Porter Jr., Shirley Porter, Jill (Tony) Cooper, Dennis (Thelma) Porter, and Cheryl (Solomon) Porter; grandchildren, Melody Johnson, Kamisha (Darius) Bennett, Bryan Cooper, Ashlee Cooper, Takoya Porter, Jasmine Porter, Shakia Porter, Kai Johnson, Qua-Nez Porter, Carson Cooper, and ZaKaria Porter; great-grandchildren, Jalil, Troy, Xavier, Charles, Kyree, and Paris; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Eva Porter; brothers, Alvin Porter Jr. and Donald E. Porter; sister, Marlene J. Starlings; son, Michael Porter; and former wives, Charlotte Porter and Rosemary Porter. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Bethel Temple Church, 914 East Third Street, Xenia, Ohio 45385. Burial: Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.