James Wilford Porter went to meet our Lord on August 1, 2008. Wilford was born November 5, 1918 to James Arthur and Winnie Blevins Porter of the Helton Creek Community. His wife, Alta Paisley Porter was born the same day, also in the Helton Creek Community. Alta and Wilford joined Little Helton Baptist Church on November 10, 1945. Wilford was baptized November 11, 1945. Wilford served our Lord in many different ways through the church, and his daily life. Over the years he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Adult teacher, choir director, and was ordained a Deacon on May 9, 1970. He was a member of American Legion Post in Lansing. Wilford served his country during World War II. He entered the service January 21, 1941, and received an Honorable Discharge, June 24, 1945. He served in the US Army as a Technical Sergeant Company L with the 120th Infantry Division. He served in several campaigns including: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland Campaigns, and Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart, EAMET Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and a Bronze Star. He was buried at Baptist Chapel Cemetery with full military honors. Wilford was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alta, and sisters Laura Porter, and Doris Testerman. Wilford is survived by two daughters: Sue Neubaum Spolowitz, husband Ted of Lynchburg, VA; Judy Porter Poe, husband Roy of West Jefferson; one son, Roger Porter, and wife Rita of Grassy Creek. Six grandchildren, Tim Porter, wife Becky; Randy Porter, wife Melissa; Chris Poe, all of Grassy Creek; James Neubaum and wife Lisa of Lynchburg, VA; Regan Perry, husband Randy of Lansing; Jonathon Poe, wife Lou Ann of Elkin. Surviving great grandchildren: Wesley and Matthew Porter of Grassy Creek, Lyndsey Porter of Elkin, Miranda, and Nikkie Barker of Grassy Creek, Cole Poe, Alex and Amelia Nichols of Wilkesboro, Kaitlyn Poe of Elkin, Sydney Perry of Lansing, and Lucas Neubaum of Lynchburg, VA. His wife, Beryl Powers of Lansing also survives. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, numerous friends and neighbors.