Judd Ross Porter
June 12, 1941 ~ March 27, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Judd Ross Porter, 68, of Stonebridge Drive, Asheville, died on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at his home.
A native of Enid, OK, Mr. Porter was the son of Jeannette Thompson Porter, of New Port, RI, and of the late Johnson Porter.
A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Mr. Porter grew up at an oil camp that is now the Tall Grass Prairie Reserve in Shidler, OK. He was a graduate of Shidler High School, in 1959, and of East Central University, in Ada, OK, in 1964.
Mr. Porter had an extensive history working as an educator in a career spanning 43 years. Working for many years as a principal, Mr. Porter had an eye for the struggling student, and was able to reach out to those who otherwise might have been lost. He was a problem solver and wasn't afraid to be the first to try something, including being a part of one of the first implementations of the innovative Four Block scheduling system in Del City, OK. In Oklahoma, he was known as the "father of block scheduling." He was also instrumental with the SILSA program at Asheville High School.
A sports-minded man and a past semi-professional football player in Canada, Mr. Porter enjoyed walking and lifting weights. Mr. Porter was proud of his many students who eventually went on to participate in collegiate and professional athletics in numerous sports.
Mr. Porter was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, and was active with the Land of the Sky Corvette Club, and the East Central University Alumni Association. Those who knew Mr. Porter will remember his sense of humor and quick wit.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Cindy Porter; daughter, Jodi Bass and husband Greg, of McKinney, TX; son, Jess Porter, of Dallas, TX; step-sons, Andrew and Weston Clary, of Tulsa, OK; sister, Judie Porter, of New Port, RI; and grandchildren, Carter and Cameron Bass, of McKinney, TX.
A memorial service for Mr. Porter will be at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. with the Rev. Dennis Brown officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, designated to Woodfin Elementary School, 175 Bingham Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
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I was blessed to have worked with Judd for many years in the Kingsport City School system. He was, without exception, the best principal I have ever worked with and for. He always sought input from us teachers. He always listened to what we had to say. And he was always fair in his decisions. And on top of all that professional stuff, he was just a very good person. He will never be forgotten and always appreciated.
Me Porter was always kind to me and recognized my potential and the struggle that I faced. Wish I could have thanked him for all his help
Mr. Porter, I want to send my prayers to your family!! I’m hurt to find out that you’ve passed on, but I know your HOME now!! I can honestly say you were a person who made high school special for me. I always considered you a friend and I always will. I’ll make sure I keep my promise I made to you at graduation…love you and Rest In Peace
Jodi, Jess & Family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most stressful time
Uncle Derek & Beth
Ottawa ON, Canada
I remember meeting Judd at Chop House Restaurant in the summer of 1996, just as he was hired as Principal of Dobyns-Bennett High School. Almost 14 years later, I’ve had the honor of working for him at two different schools in two states. I haven’t seen him as much as I would have liked since he retired, but I’ll always keep fond memories of my friend, his stories, his sense of humor, and his brisket. My thoughts are with Cindy and his family. He so looked forward to retirement, and it deeply saddens me that it was ultimately so brief.
Dear Cindy and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about loss of Judd. I worked with him early on as president of the Asheville High Booster Club when he first arrived in Western North Carolina. He made a positive impact on the students of AHS as well as the entire Asheville community. Our friendship grew over the years and I enjoyed him being in our family of patients at the office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He will be missed by us all.
Sincerely,
Rob Merrill
Judd was a good friend for many years. Thanks for the memories.
Dear Cindy and Family,
May you be blessed with strength and comfort during this incredibly tough time. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunities and encouragement that Judd gave me at Dobyns-Bennett. He took a chance on me right out of college and 13 years years later I couldn’t be more grateful. Not only did Judd take a chance on me and many others, but he also challenged, encouraged, and supported all of those with whom he worked. I will always remember Judd as being well-read, prepared, confident, and convicted in regard to providing a quality environment and education for all students.
Judd was an excellent mentor and I am very appreciative of the fact that he made a point to keep in touch long after he moved on from Dobyns-Bennett. I will always remember a comment he made to me while I was seeking advice regarding a student situation. I posed my question and rather than giving me an answer he simply said, ‘Don’t forget that it is our job to err on the side of the student….now do what you know is best.’ That statement speaks volumes to Judd’s experience as a leader, an educator, and as an advocate for students.
My thoughts and prayers are extended to all of Judd’s family and friends.
Jody, Jess and family, we wish you peace and God’s presence at this sad time in your lives. May God keep you protected and safe as you move forward. The former and present teachers of Del City High School and the Mid-Del School System.
My prayers are with Mr. Porter’s family – his early passing was quite a shock.
Dear Jodi,
My heart goes out to you and all of your family at this time of tragic loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love and Hugs,
Bonnie
Cindy and Family: Sorry about the loss of Judd. I went to HS with Judd & Judie in Shidler.My father worked for Skelly with Mr Porter. Judie and I were in the same class.May the Lord give you peace and comfort and you are all in my prayers
Our family would like to send our prayers and thoughts to the entire Porter family during this difficult time.
Regardless of the circumstance,
Regardless of the fear,
Regardless of the pain we bear,
Regardless of the tear.
Our God is ever in control,
Performing as He should,
And He has promised in His Word
To work things for our good.
But as a loving Father would,
He sometimes lets us cry
To cleanse the hurt out of our heart,
To wash it from our eye.
Yet gently gathers the tears
Within His hands to stay
Until He turns them into pearls,
and gives them back someday.
~Author Glenda Fulton Davis~
Went to school with Judd and Judie. Saw him last year at his 50th class reunion. We send our deepest Sympathy to his family. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
I was sorry to hear of Judd’s unexpected passing this past week. I truly enjoyed working for him at Dobyns-Bennett. His support of me as a teacher while I was at DB and his kind words as I was making the move to St. Louis, will always be remembered as a wonderful boss and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and his family.
We only knew Judd through the Corvette Club and will fondly remember his sense of fun and happy smile. We are especially grateful that at our last outing we had the honor of sitting with Judd and enjoying his company. Our thoughts are with the family during this sad time.
Cindy,
Judd was a wonderful principal at DBHS. He came at a time we needed strong leadership and he gave us that. I especially appreciated his support of high standards and willingness to support our math department. It was a pleasure to work with him and to call him a friend. May God give you support in the following days.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Porter’s untimely death. He was a great supporter of the Art Dept. at Dobyns Bennett High School when I was there, and a fine man. My condolences to his family. Martha Bates
What a wonderful man…he will be remembered ..especially for his support of the underdog.
We were sad to hear of the passing of Judd.We will miss him at our Shidler School reunions.May your memories comfort you. Our prayers are with you.
This is such sad news – especially in light of the fact that his mom and sister were getting ready for a trip to visit them. I think the last time I saw my cousin, Judd, was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just before Aunt Jeannette moved to Newport. He still had the sense of humor that I will always remember about him.
He was a strong, vibrant leader – never afraid to take on any problem, situation with determination and conviction. He was a friend who listened, gave his honest straight forward opinion with a sense of love and compassion. He will be dearly missed and I will cherish the memories of him not only as a friend but as my boss for may year. Cindy, please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Love Diane
Dear Judie and family, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. He sounded like a wonderful accomplished person. I know he will be sorely missed. I am thinking of you at this time of loss, knowing how you are feeling. Fondly Judy Smith
It was my pleasure to be part of the 1959 Shidler High School graduating class. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in Octoaber. It was so nice to be able to see and visit with Judd there. He will always be remembered fondly by me. We enjoyed a lot of good times together
Cindy, I will pray for you during this difficult time. Being a widow myself, I would like to be supportive for you. Please call if I can be of any assistance…..nancy 255-5891
Mr. Porter will always be remembered in our family. My children attended Dobyns Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee, where Mr. Porter was principal. Those children are now grown, but have spoken many times of Mr. Porter’s concern for all of ‘his’ students. Our prayers go out to the Porter family. Thank you for sharing Mr. Porter with thousands of our children that will never forget the difference he made in their lives.
Dear Cindy –
We are saddened at the loss and remember you and him from the Great Body Company gym days in Kingsport. Our deep condolences.
Raj and Sharmi
Mr. Porter was my second principal here at Dobyns-Bennett and was a great man. He was straight forward and easy to understand. His honestly of emotions and enthusiasm made it a joy to work with him! I know how missed he will be!
We Wish to convey our deepest sympathy to Cynthia and the Porter family for the loss of your beloved Judd. We enjoyed our friendly chats as Judd passed our home on his numerous walks around the neighborhood. His presence will surely be missed. He was a wonderful person, and for that, we are grateful to have known him.
At the family’s request, we will make a donation in memory of Judd to the Buncombe County Schools, in care of Woodfin Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Melvin & Naomi M. Hines
May God comfort you all.
So sorry to hear of your loss. (I was recently able to meet Judd as a fellow cat sitter at his sister Judie’s home in Newport) He was a kind caretaker, looking out for his mom as he installed lighting in the back hall and enjoying his relationship with his new cat buddy
I always looked forward to visiting
with Judd at Homecoming. He will truly be missed by all.
I am saddened to read about the passing of your husband/father/brother. Judd was the principal most of the time when my children attended Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport. I was PTSA President during his last year here and when my youngest – twins – were seniors. May you feel God’s love and comfort and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Porter,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything.
Thinking of you,
Robyn Parnell
Mrs. Porter,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
I was so sorry to hear of Judd’s passing. He was the principal at DB when my daughter’s Andrea & Heather were there. I also worked with him while I was in the Central Office. He was a consummate educator and will be greatly missed.
Cindy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking about you.
Michelle Maynor
T.C. Roberson High School
Cindy and family,
I was saddened to hear of Judd’s passing. I was privileged to have worked on his administrative team at Dobyns-Bennett High School for 6 years. He was an excellent principal and a good friend. I have many fond menories of our time at Dobyns-Bennett. May God bless each family member during this difficult time.
Greg Harvey
Principal
Sullivan South High School
Personal friend, former teammate, former fraternity brother, God Bless him in his journey the rest of the way…we will miss him dearly…Bless his family & friends…it was a pleasure to have known him…
Naomi and I will pray for you. keep in touch. Jerry Stewart
Mrs. Porter.
Our family is deeply saddened to hear of your loss. As a parent of one of your students, we feel you are like family to us, and want you to know our prayers are with you in your time of need.
Kimberly & Holland Raphael
Woodfin Elementary Student Family
Cindy and family,
We were sad to learn of Judd’s passing. As a former fraternity brother, Judd was a motivator and a problem solver. We wish him God speed.
Cindy
It was so nice to see you and Judd at the reunion. He was a great guy, good friend and will always be in my heart. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Buddy
Mrs. Porter, Judie, Family,
So sorry to hear about Judd, that is such a shock when someone passes that way. Judd was of proud of his family and was telling us about his mother and how active she was. Showed pic of his wife and family. Glad we were able to spend time at our 50th reunion. All our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Sondra (Chappell) Scott
322 North M Ave
Newkirk, Ok 74647
Judie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Cindy and Family,
Judd was such a wonderful man and the most fun to be around. He made everyone comfortable, although he was a giant. We enjoyed our Car Shows with you and Judd. The Land O’ Sky Corvette Club has lost a wonderful friend, but we have good memories. I’ll never forget the ‘great’ music he provided at the last show. We are here for you any time, just call. God Bless and keep you in His love.
MRS.PORTER AND FAMILY,WE ARE SO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND,OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.SHEILA ELKINS,@SHIRLEY WARD BUS,2844 WEST BUNCOMBE.
Dear Ms. Porter and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student at Asheville High School for the first 2 years Mr. Porter served as principal. He could always be counted on to be fair and reasonable and, because of it, he was well respected by the students. He certainly touched the lives of many of us and I am grateful he came to Asheville High while I was student there.
Sincerely,
Kate Thompson
Mrs Porter, I am so sorry for your loss. you have been a wonderful mentor for me and a great principal. My heart breaks for you and your family. Mr. Porter was a very nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerly, Nancy & Jason Miller.
To the family of Judd Porter,
It was our privilege to know Principal Judd Porter during his years at Asheville High. We admired his dedication and support of the students at AHS. Please accept our sincerest sympathies.
John, Sue, Sarah and Kelly Olesiuk
Dear Cindy, Judie, Mrs. Porter, and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Judd and I were classmates for many years and graduated together in 1959 from Shidler High School. Also, our fathers were fellow Skelly employees. I missed our 50th class reunion last year and am especially sorry about that now.
Judd was a man of great accomplishment, and it sounds as if he made a real difference for the better in the lives of many people especially students and teachers. What a legacy!
May God richly bless you with His comfort and His strength.
Love and Prayers,
Mildred (Storm) Boland
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked for Judd at Dobyns-Bennett and really missed him when he left. My prayers are with your family.
Dear Cindy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you during these trying times. Please know that you have the support and love of your friends at New Life.
Prayers
Nancy Randall
Dear Cindy, Judie, Mrs. Porter, and Family,
I am greatly saddened to hear of Judd’s passing. I saw him last October at the SHS reunion, and we had some good laughs with our fellow classmates and told some tall tales. I have always enjoyed talking with him which usually included all kinds of stories about his family and how much he loved you all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Cindy, Linda and I were on our way to Linda’s parents’ home in Mississippi when we heard the terrible news about Judd. It was such a shock, and we wanted you to know that we couldn’t be at the memorial service, but that we are praying for you for the ‘Peace that passes all understanding.’
Love, Steve & Linda Parker
Dear Cindy Porter and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I have been asked to write an article about Judd for Chapter Eternal in the Shield and Diamond of Pi Kappa Alpha. In addition to expressing my sorrow at this difficult time, I am also asking permission to write the article. I last visited with Judd two years ago in Oklahoma City, and he was the first fraternity brother to join my Facebook page.
Thanks in advance,
Wayne Johnson
We were deeply saddened to hear the news about the sudden death of Judd
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mackenzie Davis
(Student at Woodfin)
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Melinda Dover
We are shocked! Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved one. Judd was a dear college friend and fraternity brother at EC in Ada, OK. We were delighted when he came by to see us while touring in his Corvette a couple of years ago. We have photos as a memory of his visit.
A humorous memory: Judd and Frank exchanged unusal mailings between Ada, OK and Dalhart, TX back in 1963-64. The most memorable was a Texas Panhandle tumbleweed sent to Judd by Frank while Judd sent a brick to Dalhart via return mail. Judd was a dear, steadfast college friend/frat brother. He’ll be remembered! He was a supporter and encourager always.
Judd was one of my favorite college friends. I will remember him fondly and with a smile, as he was so good to make that happen.
I first met Judd at an IEP meeting. He was gracious and professional, made me feel welcome at Asheville High School. He was fine administrator. My best wishes to Cindy for a speedy recovery.
Hi Cindy,
I’m sorry to hear about Judd. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Denise
Cindy. and Family….Judd and I were classmates and fraternity brothers in college. I had not seen Judd after school until he attended a reunion a couple of years ago. I am very glad that he came….He was still the old Judd, full of good will and an openness and friendliness that had made him very well liked and respected. He was an honorable man and will be greatly missed by all of us. My wish for you is the peace that passes all understanding in this time of loss for you and your children. All the best,
Jean
mrs.porter i am so sorry for the death of your husband .
love lily scott perez
Cindy and family,
Our condolences on the loss of your husband.
From one of your Michigan Green/Bolt cousins.
Dear Mrs. Porter,
I was a student of Judd’s at Wagar High School in Montreal in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He was my P. E. Teacher and my football coach. He was a coach that inspired me and one who’s taught me so much more then football skills. I remember him very fondly and am sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayer go to you and your family.
I remember Judd well as a teenager, and I have kept up with him through his sister Judie. My condolences are offered to the family.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Judd; I had the privilege of working with him while he was principal at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, TN. Judd provided the strong leadership necessary as we implemented the block schedule, and I will always remember his quiet strength. Many of us in Kingsport share your loss!
Dear Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. After so many years, you are often in my thoughts and prayers, and now more than ever. Mr. Porter (we wouldn’t have dared called him ‘Judd’) was always such a powerful presence in the halls of DCHS. I respected and admired him very much for his sense of right and wrong. He was responsible for making all the right phone calls so that I could sing at various venues throughout Oklahoma. He believed in his students and backed you up. I pray that you find comfort knowing, as I am sure you already do, how much he was respected and loved. My sympathies go out to you and Jess during this difficult time.
Dear Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. After so many years, you are often in my thoughts and prayers, and now more than ever. Mr. Porter (we wouldn’t have dared called him ‘Judd’) was always such a powerful presence in the halls of DCHS. I respected and admired him very much for his sense of right and wrong. He was responsible for making all the right phone calls so that I could sing at various venues throughout Oklahoma. He believed in his students and backed you up. I pray that you find comfort knowing, as I am sure you already do, how much he was respected and loved. My sympathies go out to you and Jess during this difficult time.
To the Porter Family.
I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of such a great man. I can only imagine the loss you must feel, yet, at the same time, the pride that you must have in a man who made a difference in so many lives. I was one of those ‘troubled students’ who had left home during my freshman year of high school. Mr Porter shared such insight with me in regards to my future that to this day I still carry with me. He was a mentor and a tough cookie that accepted no excuses but gave plenty of options. As a child, this was about all I had to hold on to for some time. Eventually, my life worked itself out and I have been very blessed to have a wonderful father, a husband with great integrity and two awesome children. As a daughter, a wife and a mother my heart goes out to you all. But please understand that in many ways Mr Porter will live on through the values that he instilled in not only your family, but my family and numerous others. For this, I wish to thank you for sharing such a wonderful gift to all who accepted this no nonsense, play it fair, give a chance wonderful man that you call Husband, Father, Brother….to me he will always be the RESPECTED Mr. Porter who will be missed but never forgotten.
Again, I offer my most sincere condolences and wish you all the greatest memories of a truley great man.
Debra Martin Cox
judd was my football, basketball, and gym coach he was my mentor and allowed me to bloom into a great athlete and person . he was tough fierce and showed me the ropes of life i was able to try out twice with the montreal alouettes football team as a teenager most of what i attained was from judds teachings and guidance im grateful to him and tell most people about him they dont get my intencity he is and will be an important person in my life thanks for all you have done
In class today (02/25/2015) we were talking about people that had a positive impact on our life. Mr. Porter stood out in the moment to me; I have also thought about him now and again over the years since he was a teacher and VP in the 1970s at Centennial Regional High School in Greenfield Park, Quebec. I thought I would try and look him up online, and now wish I would have done so many years ago. It is with sadness that I find his obituary, but with so much happiness to read about many of the wonderful ways Mr. Porter touched people.The statement that ‘Mr.Porter had an eye for the struggling student, and was able to reach out to those who otherwise might have been lost’ speaks perfectly to how I know and remember him. Without his ongoing support I’d have been booted from school, and into dark world from which I may not have been able to emerge. If he was able to have a lasting impact on my troubled life, there can be no doubt there were many more who benefited from his kind heart and patience. It is his grace that inspired me – albeit not until my mid-30s – to complete an education degree. I hated school, but chose to teach because it provides special opportunities for me to share some of the kindness and care that was extended to me during a critical period in my life. They say a teacher is recalled most not for what they taught, but for how they made us feel. Thank you, Mr. Porter.
Karl Miller