Rev. Dr. Reginald Porter, Sr.

Obituary For Rev. Dr. Reginald Porter, Sr.

Dr. Reginald Porter, Sr., was the second son born to Rev. Mathias Lawrence Porter of Freeport, Illinois, and Ritta Hawkins (Porter-Smith) of Athens, Georgia. His parents met while Ritta worked at Metropolitan Church in Washington, D.C., and later relocated to Illinois, where they began their family with Roderick Kelvin Porter and Reginald Lawrence Porter. After a move to Memphis, Tennessee, Ritta remarried Stanie Robin Smith, Sr., welcoming Stanie Jr. into their blended family.

Dr. Porter, affectionately known as “Dank,” followed in his father’s footsteps into ministry. A native of Memphis, he received his primary education there and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Memphis in 1970. His theological journey continued with advanced degrees from Memphis Theological Seminary (MDiv, 1976) and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin, 1989). He also received certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from the Memphis Institute of Medicine and Religion in 1978 and became a Certified Marriage and Family Therapist.

His ministerial journey began at Metropolitan Baptist Church, where his mother brought him as a child. He became Director of Recreation and Counseling in 1978 under Dr. Fred C. Lofton. Dr. Porter later served as Senior Pastor at St. John No. 1 Baptist Church in Jackson, TN (1983), Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee, AL (1992), and as Executive Assistant Pastor at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Memphis (1998). In 1999, he returned to lead Metropolitan Baptist Church as Pastor, serving faithfully until his retirement and later as Pastor Emeritus.

Dr. Porter also served as Chaplain for Memphis City Hospitals, Program Director for Dixie Homes Boys Club, and an adjunct professor at Memphis Theological Seminary and Southwest Tennessee Community College. His dedication extended beyond the pulpit to community leadership, including graduating from Leadership Memphis in 1984 where he was honored as a Leadership Memphis Changemaker in 2021.

A prolific contributor, Dr. Porter authored “Words for the Journey” and co-authored “Living in Hell: The Dilemma of African American Existence.” As a trained counselor, he and his beloved wife of 54 years, Rev. Davena Young Porter, led marriage seminars across the country. Together, they raised their son, Dr. Reginald Porter, Jr., and cherished their twin granddaughters, Sophie and Rowan.

Dr. Porter’s impact extended to numerous roles within the Progressive National Baptist Convention, where he served on the Executive Committee, Executive Board, and as Vice President At Large of the Southern Region. His teachings and lectures inspired many across the country.

Dr. Porter leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Davena Young Porter; his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Reginald Porter, Jr., and Sonya Butler Porter; and his granddaughters, Rowan and Sophie. He is also survived by his brothers, Roberick K. Porter, Sr., Esq., and Stanie R. Smith, Ret. Major, US Air Force (& wife, Shirley); nephews Rod Porter, Jr., and Captain Stan Smith II, US Air Force; and niece Alexandra Porter Laitinen (& husband Juuso).

He shared a deep bond with cousins, Marqueline Gardner (& husband, Larry), Michael Washington (& wife, Terry), LaRita Shelby, and Marcia Seymore Austin (& husband, Lee). Dr. Porter is also survived by his god-children, Edwina and David Paschal, Louie and Kenneth Watkins. Dr. Porter’s genealogical ties connect to families including Hawkins, Smith, Davenport, Weaver, Gardner, Young, Bolton, Battle, Lance, Ward, and McDavid.

Dr. Porter was a pillar of strength, a guiding light, and a servant of God whose life touched countless others. His dedication to ministry, education, and family will forever be cherished.

The family will receive Friday, January 3, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 11:00am both will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church 767 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38126

In Lieu of Flowers please make a donation to the Scholarship Fund for Reginald L Porter, Sr. at Memphis Theological Seminary 168 E Pkwy S, Memphis, TN 38104