In Loving Memory of John Portis

John Portis, the eldest son of the late Howard Portis and Annie Maud Portis, was born on November 13, 1940, in Livingston, Alabama. After a life filled with faith, family, love, laughter, and perseverance, he peacefully answered God’s call and entered eternal rest on June 16, 2026.

John attended North High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He enlisted on July 21, 1961, and honorably served until July 20, 1965, attaining the rank of Specialist (E-4). His years of service reflected the discipline, humility, and dedication that would characterize his life.

John was united in marriage to Della Mae Hunt on January 11, 1966. He later married Betty Jewel Ferrell on January 22, 1971. Above all else, John was a devoted husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family and witnessing the generations that followed him grow and flourish.

He leaves to cherish his memory his five children, Thomas Ferrell, Danielle Barnes, Stacey Portis, John Portis (Berniece Portis), and Opal Portis. He was a proud grandfather to Thomas Hill (Sandra Hill), Christina McClure (Christopher McClure), Xavier Portis, Darion Ferrell (Jasmyne Ferrell), and Imari Barnes-McCoy. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, De’Anna Marie, Isaiah Humphrey, Thomas Hill, Tamir Hill, Darion Ferrell, and Jayce Ferrell, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

John is also survived by his beloved younger brother, Leon Portis, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

John devoted many years of his professional life to Mohawk and later BF Goodrich, where he worked as a supervisor. Following a workplace accident, he faced decades of health challenges. Though life presented many hardships, John met them with remarkable resilience, faith, and grace. Even as his health declined and pain became a constant companion, he rarely complained. Instead, he endured with quiet strength, dignity, and perseverance, serving as an example of courage and steadfastness to all who knew and loved him.

To know John was to know compassion. He was a patient listener and a source of wisdom for family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He had a gift for storytelling and often shared accounts of his many near-death experiences, believing that God had preserved his life for a reason. His faith, perspective, and sense of purpose left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

John also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. He loved horse racing and could often be found following the action at Thistledown Racetrack. As technology evolved, so did he, embracing online wagering and faithfully watching races on TVG.

He had a deep appreciation for music and possessed a remarkable ability to create the perfect playlist. Family and friends alike knew that if John was in charge of the music, good times and cherished memories were sure to follow.

John also had a legendary sweet tooth. Donuts and coffee were a cherished part of his daily routine, and Krispy Kreme was one of his favorite indulgences. Thanks to the loving care of his wife, Betty, who faithfully made sure he was always stocked with his favorite treats, he rarely had to worry about running out. It was one of the many simple joys that brought a smile to his face and became a cherished part of the life they shared together.

Having survived several near-death experiences throughout his life, John often said that God had left him here for a reason. He embraced each day with gratitude and found joy in life’s simple pleasures—a good song, a horse race, a cup of coffee, a donut, and, most importantly, time spent with the family he loved so dearly. His life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Portis and Annie Maud Portis; his first wife, Della Mae Hunt, uncles Joeseph Portis and Jack Drummond and aunts Elizabeth Brown and Ora Pearl Alford, and his favorite nephew Leon Portis.

Though our hearts are saddened by his passing, we rejoice in the life John lived and the memories he leaves behind. He loved deeply, listened compassionately, and found joy in family, music, horse racing, coffee, and sweets. His wisdom, stories, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will continue to inspire future generations.

Though he has finished his earthly race, his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We find comfort in knowing that he has been restored to perfect peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. His love, wisdom, strength, and example will continue to guide us until we meet again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23