Robert Louis Porter - Obituary

Robert Louis Porter (Bob or Bobby) was born August 22, 1936 to James Sonnie Porter and Nellie Wilkerson Porter in Culpeper, Va. Bob attended George Washington Carver Regional High School where he played football and basketball, graduating in 1953. Bob furthered his education at Bluefield State College, WV, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Architectural Drafting and Building Construction in 1957. After graduating, Bob worked construction for a few years. In 1961, during the time of integration, he became the first African-American teacher at Ann Wingfield High School in Culpeper. He taught at both Ann Wingfield and A.G. Richardson Middle School for five years, then joined Prince George’s County Public Schools System in 1966. Over the next thirty-two years, Bob taught at Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hill, Md. There he taught Drafting and Design, and for many years coached women’s basketball, and the co-ed tennis team. He was sponsor of the Human Relations Council, Students and Teachers Inviting Success Organization, and The Black Male Achievement Program; and a member of various other programs and initiatives designed to promote excellence in education and society. He was also the recipient of the Excellence in Technology Award from the Technology Education Association of Maryland. Bob found great fulfillment preparing young people for their future. Retiring in 1998, golf became his favorite hobby. Bob loved to play a round or just hit a few balls, as often as possible. He was an avid sports fan, political enthusiast, and community advocate. He was also a founding director of the George Washington Carver Alumni Association. Bob was preceded in death by both parents, older brother James Timothy Porter, and son Anthony Porter. He is survived by sister Valrie Coleman Hyman (William), sister-in- law Cynthia Giles Porter, nephew James Porter (Lily), great-nephew Kai Porter, great- niece Nia Porter, one first cousin Cheryl Humes, cousins Mark Wells, Jason Humes, Aleesha Wells, Jakiah Humes, James Taliaferro, Frankie Lawrence (William III), William Lawrence IV, and Taylor Lawrence. He is also survived by his dear friends Frances and Alvin Macon, Donna Mac and Big Mac McLendon, God-son John McLendon, Carol Doron, Jimmy Gray, Randolph Christian, Patti and Barry Hamler, Thunder Lane, Peggy Washington, Tony House, Thomas Fuller, Sarah Strom, Jim White, and Jim and Rosemary Powell. He had numerous golf friends (special friend Joe Wilson) and many former co-workers, and students that he kept in touch with over the years. Particularly in the Oxon Hill area where he influenced over three decades of students. Relatives and friend's are invited to Bob's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 11 a.m. until the start of the Memorial Service at 12 noon at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A private burial will take place at a later date.