Lewis Charles Porter, Jr. (affectionately known as Tubby), age 75, went to his “glorious home” on Sunday, January18, 2026, (two months prior to his 76th birthday) surrounded by his loving family and members of his church family. He was preceded in death by parents, Louis and Lillie Porter; sister, Mary Louise Porter Henderson, son, Victor Martin; aunt Geraldine (Frank) Scruggs, brother-cousin, James (Rocky) Scruggs; niece, Alicia Foster; and other aunts and grandparents.

Lewis was born March 18, 1950, and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the son of Louis Sr. and Lillie (Angel) Porter. From an early age, he demonstrated kindness, curiosity, humor, and faith; qualities that would later define his life.

He was educated at Eastport Elementary, Vine Jr., East High Schools, and attended East Tennessee State University and went on to have career and retired from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). His second career was at the Knoxville Leadership Foundation, Child and Family TN, and facilitated classes for young men under the “Boot Camp for Dads” program. He took great pride in his work accomplishments, but was best known for his personal impact on young men who were going through certain legal issues with the court system and by his leadership, with a few other men, mentored young boys through a Young Men’s Responsibility Program.

Lewis was a history buff and could tell you facts about many things that had happened in history. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, and would watch golf for hours. “Back in the day,” he coached the church basketball team to victories, and played on the church softball and bowling teams. As passionate as he was about team sports so was he about the Word of God. He lived out his beliefs as a charter member of Community Evangelistic Church (CEC) in 1989, and served as an Elder, a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher, and sang in the special Sunday choirs. Later, as his health would allow him, he sang with other ministries. Most would remember him to have a “hug ministry” and was always willing to give a hug, encouragement, or impart some wisdom to help someone. He was a person who never met a stranger and could make one feel as if he had known you for years. His steadfast love for the Lord led him to serve others (the homeless) in different capacities.

Lewis leaves to treasure his memories and to remember him always, his devoted wife of 48 years, Deborah; daughter, LaShaya (Shay); son, Travis (Deedee); grandchildren, Faith and Zoie Porter, and Zane Miller (all of Knoxville); brother Tyson (Zephryee); sister-in-laws, Karen (Donald) Hatchett; Connie Johnson; brother-in-laws, Michael Walker and Elijah Drake, all of Knoxville; brother-cousin, Michael (Joyce Katherine) Scruggs; and many special nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives. Many life-long friends Albert (Pam) Alexander, Charles Dixon, Lewis (Sherri) Goss, Lewis Bryant, A. B. (Diane) Coleman, and Rev. Reginald (D’Nese) Strong and the Community Evangelistic Church family and many friends.