Thomas Laurence Porter

Thomas Laurence Porter, beloved father, brother, former husband and friend suddenly left us on September 27, 2024. Thomas was born on July 28,1956 in Boston, Massachusetts to parents Albert Laurence Porter and Mary B. Porter (nee Mays). Thomas was baptized as an infant at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts. When the Porter family moved to Detroit, Thomas attended St. John’s and St. Boniface grade schools. He graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit and after graduating attended Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo). 

Thomas’ first job after leaving college was as a dispatch supervisor for United Parcel Service. After a few years with UPS, Thomas received a job offer with U.S. Homes in the Washington D.C. area. Thomas resided in Maryland and Virginia and married Yvette Porter. They have 2 children from that union, Ashley Noel and Kristen Marie.

Thomas had a distinguished career in the construction industry, starting as a superintendent and advancing to construction manager at U.S. Homes and Pulte Homes. He also contributed his expertise to various home builders in Virginia and Detroit, Michigan. Even after having to retire early from his profession as a construction project manager, Thomas always kept up to date with the latest information on the business.

Thomas had a passion for music. He especially enjoyed listening to rock, R&B and smooth jazz. In addition to music, Thomas enjoyed golfing and was an enthusiastic sports fan of the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Tigers, University of Michigan football and Michigan State Basketball. He cherished spending time with his family, watching movies, attending concerts, and enjoying comedy shows.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary, his grandparents, John Mays, Mattie Mays, Rafael Porter and Amelia Porter. Thomas leaves behind to cherish his memory daughters, Kristen Porter and Ashley Porter Cuthbertson (Thomas); his former wife, Dr. Yvette Porter; brothers John Albert Porter and James Michael Porter; sisters June A. Porter and Madelyn A. Porter; and a host of cousins and friends.

His warmth, humor, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A visitation service will be held at James H. Cole Funeral Home in Detroit, Michigan on October 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Piney Grove #3 in Lee County, Georgia on October 14, 2024, at 11:00am. Final arrangements made by the J.W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.