Robert Ray Porterfield

Robert Ray Porterfield, age 90, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Born on September 16, 1932 near Burlington, NC, he was the son of the late John Henry and Emily Frances Porterfield.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Jane Huskins Porterfield; his brother John Harley Porterfield; and two sisters, Rita L Cherwin and Ruth Arnold Sims; and step-son, Nicholas Zerpa.

Robert is survived by his wife of 23 years, Catherine Staton Porterfield, and by four daughters, Cynthia Michael and husband Kemp, Ginny Porterfield, Kimberly Bunting and husband Michael, and Lora Kendrick and husband Kirk; one step-son, Desi Zerpa; four grand-children (Caryn, Marie, Allen, Desi, Jr), six great-grand children (James, Jordan, Leo, Emily, Grace, Olivia); nieces and nephews, and a large spiritual family of friends.

Robert's mother was one of Jehovah's Witnesses when he was born.  He soon made the truth his own, dedicated his life to Jehovah, and was baptized on September  23, 1944.  Although he supported his family with printing and commercial sealant businesses, he was always busy in theocratic activities.  Among his treasured privileges were over 41 years of full-time service. He especially enjoyed using his carpentry skills while assisting with the RBC and other construction projects at branches of Jehovah's Witnesses in several foreign countries, and at Assembly Halls closer to home.  He and Catherine were very happy to attend many international conventions together.  He truly enjoyed traveling, and loved to share his stories when you visited him.

A special thank you to Novant Hospice for their compassionate care.

Robert's family humbly acknowledges with sincere appreciation all the comforting messages, calls, cards, visits, prayers, and acts of kindness during this time.  Your encouragement and support have not gone unnoticed.  Thank you.

Services will be held 3:00pm April 8, 2023 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6516 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217.

In lieu of flowers, friends may want to make a donation to the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses by visiting www.jw.org. 

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