Benjamin Portwood

Benjamin Portwood October 19, 1942 - May 17, 2015 Benjamin N. Portwood, 72, returned to his Heavenly Home on May 17th, 2015, after a valiant battle with cancer. His Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Highland Baptist Church with Joshua Portwood officiating. Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 22, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Born to the late Roy Portwood and Mary Grace Smith on October 19th, 1942, Ben was the youngest of three sons. He was raised by Mary Grace and step-father, Wesley Lee Smith, in Waco, Texas. He graduated from University High in 1961 and Baylor University in 1965 & 1971 with a Master of Business Administration. Ben then joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Ben married Earlene Helen Greenlaw, on June 15th, 1968, before spending time stationed in the Azore Islands. Upon their return to Waco, he helped raise his four children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught them the importance of hard work and encouraged his loved ones to embrace the grace of Christ and faithfulness of the Christian community. Ben was kind and always had time to tell a story, share a joke, or cook up a barbecue. He loved reading, old cars, history, cooking, a game of pool, long walks, relaxing outdoors, and playing with his grandkids. We will remember his smile, warmth, gentle strength and sacrificial love. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life and ultimately gave him comfort. He is dearly missed by his family and friends, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator. He is preceded in death by his parents. Ben is survived by his wife of 46 years, Earlene; his children: Ruth Duck and her husband, Ryan, Jonathan Portwood and his wife, Brittney, Joshua Portwood and his wife, Monica, and daughter, Rachel Portwood; eight grandchildren; his brothers, Chester Portwood and Royce Portwood and wife, Shirley; brothers-in-law, Wayne Greenlaw and wife, Karen, and Perry Greenlaw; nieces, nephews and many close friends. Pallbearers are John Duck, Pat Kramer, Keith McWhorter, Mike Schumaker, Allen Thomas and Rick Teigh. The family will gratefully accept prayers, condolences and memories at the service and in the coming months. Memorials may be made to The Mercy House at West University Baptist Church, 6821 Auden Street, Houston 77005 or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at gifts.mdanderson.org. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.