Raymond Porter

WINTERPORT – Raymond P. “Chief” Porter, 71, died October 12, 2019, at his home, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was born September 20, 1948, in Lincoln, the son of Albert “Tiny” and Ruth (Chatterton) Porter.

Ray graduated from Winterport High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, he server first with the U.S.A.F Air National Guard before joining the U.S. Navy, serving from 1967-1969. Ray furthered his education at Ricker College, Thomas Nelson Community College, Saint Leo University, and Golden Gate University, pursuing numerous degrees in Fire Science.

Ray began his career as a USAF Fire Fighter on February 2, 1970 as a trainee at Loring AFB in Limestone, and retired as Command Fire Chief on November 3, 1998 from Dover AFB in Delaware. In his 28-year career with the Air Force Fire Service, Ray served at Loring AFB in Limestone as a Fire Fighter and then moved on to Assistant Chief – Fire Chief, AMC Command Fire Protection Specialist, and USAFE Command Fire Chief, retiring from Dover AFB Delaware. In 2014, he was inducted in the Department of Defense Military Fire Fighters Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame.

On April 18, 2015, Ray married the love of his live, Margo (Rancourt) Porter, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ray was a member of the Lions Club of Limestone, a member of American Legions’ Argonne Post #138 of Winterport, and New Baden Post #321 of New Baden, IL, and a member of Poquoson Lodge #49, AF & AM of Poquoson, VA. Ray was also an Eagle Scout.

In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by a brother, Lt. Col. Albert Porter. He is survived by his wife, Margo Porter of Winterport; daughters, Alayne Hunt and husband, Terry, Angela Richmond, Jenny Brown and husband, David, Shelly Armstrong, Rae Ann Hanson, and Lori Bishop and husband, Mack; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; brothers, John Porter, Jim Porter; sisters, Patti Porter-Akerson and husband, Sheldon, Donna Porter, Penny Napier, and Susie Porter; and many nieces and nephews. Ray is also survived by his best friend, Dick Doble.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2019, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, immediately following the service, Friday. Interment with military honors will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport, immediately following the reception. Those wishing to remember Ray in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Loring Air Force Base Military Heritage Center, 101 Noyes Road, Caribou, ME 04736. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com