January 19, 1934 – July 18, 2022
James Wayne Porter of Round Rock, Texas passed away at home on July 18, 2022 at the age of 88. He was born in Rotan, Texas to Wayne Porter and Nobia Myers Porter on January 19, 1934. Wayne graduated from Rotan high school in 1950 before graduating from Texas Tech College in 1954 with a degree in Agriculture. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program, and began his career with the United States Air Force in 1955.
Wayne received his Navigator wings in 1956 and was soon a navigation instructor. After being stationed in England and Texas, he served in the Vietnam War, flying 122 combat missions, 100 of which were over North Vietnam, as navigator in the RF-4C reconnaissance aircraft. Subsequent tours included Germany, California and Spain. He retired as Lt. Colonel at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas as Chief of the Command Post. Among several awards, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, the Meritorious Service Medal three times, the Air Medal ten times, and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation.
After his Air Force retirement, Wayne began a second career graduating from Baylor Law School in 1983. He worked as a private attorney in Georgetown, Texas before serving as First Assistant County Attorney in Williamson County for 13 years. He retired in 2006 but returned to work serving as an Associate Judge for the county until 2019. After his final retirement, he volunteered as Assistant County Attorney.
He is survived by his six children: Kim (Kent) Fletcher of Burley, Idaho, Jamie (Lynn) Angell of Boerne, Texas, Leigh (Joel) Hale of St. Jo, Texas, Christopher Porter of Lakeway, Texas, Kendra (Richard Bolz) Porter of Hutto, Texas, Trey Porter of Leander, Texas, 10 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
His children and all those who love him were subject to his dry wit and witnessed his devotion to the 'good Lord', his dogs, photography, fine dining, travel, and incessant reading.
All are welcome to a Celebration of Life Open House at Historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S Main St, Georgetown, TX 78626, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Monday, August 29, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ at 408 W Morrow Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 or to the Texas Humane Heroes at 10930 E Crystal Falls Pkway, Leander, Texas 78641.