JACKSONVILLE – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) community is mourning the loss of retired Lt. Col. Robert Eugene Porter, a FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) Distingui In 2001, the Southeastern Region officially was divided into two regions where the State of Florida became its own region and the remainder of the states of the original Southeastern Region became the Southern Region. Porter was very instrumental in that effort.
Carmen Cummings, assistant vice president University Engagement/Alumni Affairs, said Porter combined a disciplined, distingui
“The FAMU National Alumni Association Family mourns the loss of former NAA Executive Board Member retired Lt. Col. Robert Porter,” Clark said. “He was a stabilizing force within the National Alumni Association for many. His leadership was exemplary and cannot be duplicated. He will truly be missed.”
While at FAMU, the Chicago native was a leading member of the Marching ‘100,’ a member of the Upsilon Psi chapter, of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., which he joined in 1951, and the University’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC).
After graduation, Porter entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant, serving from 1954-1975. During his military career, Porter was a commanding officer in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. In addition, he saw combat during the war in Vietnam for which he was awarded two Bronze Stars for his valor in service.
Following active duty, Porter began work for the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) where he trained generations of future soldiers. His stellar leadership qualities were on display as the senior army instructor at the historically Black William M. Raines High School from 1975 to 1998.
In 2015, William M. Raines High School named the JROTC building, the Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Porter JROTC Hall in his honor.
As a member of the Omega Psi Phil Fraternity, Inc., Porter served as the 10th State Representative of the Florida Statewide Organization and later became International “Omega Man of the Year.” In addition, Porter was the State of Florida’s Talent Hunt Chairman for over a decade.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Fiveash Porter, a daughter, and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the T.S. Warden-Samuel C. Rogers Jr. Memorial Chapel, 4314 N. Main St., Jacksonville, Fla., 32206.
The interment is scheduled for Monday, September 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Fla., 32218.
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