Nathan Johnson Porter

Nathan Johnson Porter passed away Monday, October 3, 2022. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Hannah Coe and Dr. Jon Singletary officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Nathan was born July 22, 1932, in Campinas, Brazil, to Paul and Margaret Porter. Nathan graduated from Baylor University with a BA in History in 1953. He later completed a master’s degree and doctorate at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His work experiences include: pastoring a mission church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, working for the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, serving as pastor of First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and later serving as a consultant for domestic hunger and disaster relief.

He married Francis Booth on August 23, 1952.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Fran Porter; and four siblings.

He is survived by his son, Joel Porter and wife, Janet, of Waco; daughters, Leslie Porter Smith, of Waco, and Becca Hollaway and husband, Steven, of Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren, Sarah Campbell and husband, Dave, Nathan Hollaway, Whitney Luce and husband, Brandon, Porter Smith, and Josie Porter; and great-grandchildren, Hayden Luce, Hallie Luce, Durham Luce, and Conner Campbell. The family also includes adopted grandchildren Andrea McQuistion Han and Suzi McQuistion Mao.

Nathan committed his life to serving God and others locally, nationally, and globally. He was a strong voice for the poor and vulnerable. He was known for his commitment to social justice and spent his life as an advocate for equality for all people. He was known for his gregarious loving nature. He enjoyed travel and sports and was a die-hard Baylor Bear fan. Nathan had tremendous pride in and love for his family. His legacy of love will live on in the lives of all he served and especially in the lives of his family.

Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Allen, Nathan Hollaway, Porter Smith, and Brandon Luce.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1001 N 18th-A Street, Waco TX 76707.