By Staff
George Lee Porter, a great American patriot, lived most of his life in Aurora. Born in Bladen County on December 31, 1919, his 90 years were invested in selfless service to his family, community, and nation. The son of Dolly Fredere and Winfred Roland Porter, he operated a dry-cleaning business in Aurora following a 2-3 year stint as a pitcher for the Class A Kinston Eagles after World War II. He later became one of the first employees of Texas Gulf Sulphur Company when mining operations opened in Aurora. He ultimately retired from the Beaufort County ABC Commission after many years of professional service.
Like many of his generation, his life was shaped in large measure by the events of World War II. George entered service in 1940 via the National Guard, where he served with the 113th Field Artillery based in New Bern. Following the United States’ entry into the conflict, he was accepted as an Army Air Corps cadet. After successfully completing flight school, he was assigned to the distinguished 324th Fighter Group, whose squadrons served from the invasion of North Africa in 1942 throughout the Mediterranean theater and eventually into the heartland of Germany via southern France. George flew 125 missions in P-40’s and P-47’s, and survived being shot down by German anti-aircraft fire in northern Italy. He served with distinction through the end of the war, rising to the rank of Captain and earning multiple decorations, including the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre. George was respected for taking care of the men who flew with him and for his ability to navigate in extreme weather conditions. The experience gave form to the values and faith that would guide the balance of his life.
He married Edna Hill Porter, daughter of Leon &Pearlie Porter of Chocowinity, in 1953, and their marriage of 56 years was lived out in a loving home in Aurora where they raised their four children, Lee, Lynn, Fred, and Bob. George served in numerous capacities in Aurora United Methodist Church, and was actively involved in the formation of many civic groups, including the Ruritans, Wildlife Club, and most recently VFW Post 9492. “Mr. George” was known for his love of family, friends, humor, baseball and German Shepherds, and for his commitment to those who served with him in his beloved squadron, the 316th Hells Belles. Those left behind to miss him and gratefully live out his legacy include his wife and children, their spouses, five grandchildren, a wonderful town full of friends, and the remaining lions of the 324th Fighter Group, whose Latin motto was “audeo,” meaning “to dare”. We thank God that they and all members of that generation dared to sacrifice all in the preservation of liberty.
Memorials may be made to the Aurora United Methodist Church building fund (c/o Darnell Peed, PO Box 456, Aurora, NC 27806) or the Aurora Rescue Squad. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. David Frazier of Greenville and his wonderful staff, and to the staff of Washington Family Practice.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2009 at the Aurora United Methodist Church and will be conducted by Rev. Tim Ware. Burial will follow in the Pineland Cemetery. Floyd Peed, Sid Cayton, Dan Mixon, Billy Thompson, Ken Young and Jeffry Robinson will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall and other times at the home.
You may address condolences and view Mr. Porter’s memorial video by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving the Porter family.
Paid Obituary