Eugene S. Porter Jr.

EUGENE S. PORTER JR. was born Sept. 9,1932 in Little Rock, Ark. He was the son of the late Eugene and Lillie Porter and only brother to the late Arthur L. Porter Sr. He passed away serenely at Little Rock Veteran's Hospital on Friday, May 27,2016. Eugene received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Arkansas Baptist College in 1954. Upon graduation, he moved to Itta Bena, Miss. to become a High School Science teacher and Basketball and Track Coach at Leflore County Training School. Two years later, he joined the US Army stationed at Brooks Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. He returned to Little Rock in 1959 and worked as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at Fort Roots Veterans Hospital for the next ten years. Near the end of his tenure at Fort Roots, Eugene obtained his Masters of Science Degree in Education from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Shortly thereafter, he became the Administrative Director of Family Planning Program of Pulaski County. In 1999, he began working at his alma mater, Arkansas Baptist College. His love for ABC was demonstrated as an instructor, Title Three Administrator and Dean of the college until his retirement in 2005. He continued to support ABC as an active alumnus until health challenges prevented his participation. Eugene was the only African American member to serve on the Board of Directors of the Central Arkansas Board of Zero Population. He was a member of the NAACP, Urban League, Richmond Masonic Lodge No.2, The Men of Dunbar and Director for Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation. He received numerous awards, recognitions and citations for his contributions and commitment to his community and the State of Arkansas. Considered a resident historian, he authored articles for the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture, Butler center for Arkansas Studies, and donated what is now called "Porter Papers" to UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture. His work at the Central High Museum was the delight of every visitor who passed through the doors to hear the history of the desegregation era in a most powerful and thought-provoking manner. He was a lifetime member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church where he served in several capacities. He served as President of the Brotherhood Association, Director of the Baptist Training Union, USA Delegate, National Baptist Convention Congress of Christian Education, member of the Trustee Board, Deacon's Board member of the Male Choir, and Church Historian. Eugene lives on through the memories of his family, three sons, Sean Porter, Little Rock, Ark., Wilfred Porter, San Francisco, Calif.; Jerry S. Porter, Itta Bena, Miss.; two granddaughters, Kennedy Williams of Little Rock, Ark., Tiffany Porter of San Francisco, Calif., and many other relatives and friends. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, June 2 from 6-7 p.m. in the chapel of P&K Mortuary. Funeral service is being held on Friday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 1700 State Street Little Rock, Ark. Services entrusted to P&K Mortuary 1715 Scott St."Our Family Caring For Your Family" (501) 374-2952.