Richard "Coach" Porter

Richard William "Coach" Porter, 81 years of Cumming, Georgia passed away January 17, 2021.

A funeral mass will be held at 1 PM on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, Ga; Father Bradley Starr officiating. Inurnment will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Columbarium and Memorial Garden.

Richard was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 20, 1939. He graduated from John Carroll High School in Birmingham. He then continued his education with a bachelor's degree from Livingston University and a master's degree from the University of Alabama.

Richard had a distinguished career as a high school basketball coach. Coach Porter successfully guided programs at South Forsyth High School, Cumming, GA; Newton County High School, Covington, GA; Tampa Catholic High School, Tampa, FL.; and John Carroll High School, Birmingham, AL. His John Carroll teams played in two state tournaments; the Tampa Catholic teams in two state tournaments; the Newton County teams in eight state tournaments; and the South Forsyth Teams in two state tournaments, one being a trip to the final four.

In November 1997, Coach Porter was recognized by the Atlanta Tipoff Club at the Lifetime Achievement Banquet for achieving a milestone--500 career wins--in boys varsity basketball. This placed him 15th on the list of the all-time winningest coaches in GA. Coach Porter has served as Basketball Chairman for the Georgia Athletic Association, Georgia Chairman for the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association, Georgia All Star Coach, McDonalds' All-American Coach, and a member of the selection committee for the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

Richard was married to the love of his life, Patricia Ellen England on July 20th, 1963. They were married 57 years. Richard was a devoted husband, father and "Pappy" who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His big personality, storytelling ability and sense of humor made him a favorite among friends and family. A devoted Catholic, Richard was also an avid Notre Dame fan. He enjoyed traveling, gambling, deep sea fishing and Sundays with his family. The following is a memory shared by one of his grandchildren.

"Pappy also loved Sundays. Every Sunday growing up his entire large family would gather at Good Shepard Catholic Church. Pappy was always an usher. He would stand and help others find seats. When it came time for everyone to shake hands and say, "peace be with you" Pappy would make his way over to his family for hugs and handshakes and would always have mints and candy in his pockets he would offer to his family."

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia England Porter of Cumming, Ga and his children, Paige & Chip Andrews of Cumming Ga, Rick & Kim Porter of Dawsonville and Chris & Arlinda Porter of Cumming, Ga. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren Alexandria and Adam Mayfield of Napa, California, Victoria and Maxwell Thomas of Dahlonega, Ga, William Andrews of Cumming, Emma, Trip & Addy Porter of Dawsonville, and Patrick, Preston & Phillip Porter of Cumming, Ga. Richard was also blessed with 3 great grandchildren, Iris Thomas, Jameson Mayfield, and Walter Thomas. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Joanne Porter Phillips of Decatur.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents William Lamar Porter & Hazel Farmer Porter.