Jerry Martin Porter

Jerry Martin Porter, 78, of Asheville, NC, passed away on 11 May 2025, at the Charles George Department of Medical Affairs Medical Center.

Born in Clarksdale, MS, Jerry was the son of the late Amelia Margaret Smith Porter and Jerry M. Porter Jr. He was a proud graduate of Battleground Academy in Memphis, TN, where he finished at the top of his class. His academic excellence and leadership earned him a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he graduated as an esteemed member of the 13th Company with the Class of 1968.

While at the Naval Academy, Jerry thrived both academically and athletically, especially in intramural sports—flag football being a particular favorite. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and later rose to the rank of lieutenant junior grade. He began flight training in Pensacola, FL, soon after commissioning, but chose to resign his commission in 1969 to pursue new adventures beyond military service.

During his time stationed in Pensacola, Jerry and four of his Naval Academy classmates co-founded a small beachside pub on Pensacola Beach—a spirited venture that reflected his entrepreneurial nature and love for camaraderie.

In civilian life, Jerry developed a love and a talent for the construction industry, both residential and commercial. His career spanned decades and included managing projects in Pensacola, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New London, CT; Djibouti, Africa, and for many years in the mountains of western North Carolina—work that brought him pride and purpose.

Jerry is survived by his beloved friend and the mother of his children, Mary, and their two sons, Morris and Bill, who all live in the Carolinas. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Anne Carr Timmons.

Jerry’s love for watching SEC football and rooting for the Ole Miss Rebels remains a lasting part of his legacy—a passion he passed on to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence, adventurous spirit, dry wit, and deep sense of loyalty to those he loved.

In keeping with his wishes, Jerry declined to have any service.

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