HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 31

(By Delegates Frazier, Ellington, Gearheart, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Thompson, on behalf of the members of the West Virginia House of Delegates)

[Introduced February 28, 2011.]

Memorializing the life of the Honorable Thomas Michael “Mike” Porter, businessman, civic leader, U.S. Army veteran, successful NASCAR driver, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and proud West Virginian.

    Whereas, Thomas Michael “Mike” Porter, was born May 10, 1941, at Lashmeet, Mercer County, the son of the late Robert Jackson “Jack” Porter and Mary Magdalene “Maggie” Porter; and

    Whereas, Thomas Michael Porter, was a graduate of Matoaka High School, attended Concord University and West Virginia Institute of Technology and served this Country in the United States Army; and

    Whereas, Thomas Michael Porter, was married for 48 years to the love of his life, Evelyn “Ruth” Hedrick Porter, with whom he shared the joy of having a son, Thomas Michael “Mikey” Porter, Jr.; and

    Whereas, Thomas Michael Porter was further blessed with two loving sisters, Jane Porter Childers, who preceded him in death, and Patty Porter Grace, who was his constant friend, confidante and enthusiastic political supporter; and

     Whereas, Thomas Michael Porter’s life was further enriched by the loving relationship he developed with his grandsons, Jacob Porter and Jared Porter, with whom he enjoyed hunting and other activities and with his daughter-in-law, Sharon Porter, with whom he especially enjoyed praying; and

    Whereas, Thomas Michael Porter enjoyed a rich, exciting and varied life, which included a career as a NASCAR driver and employment in the railroad, mining and trucking industries, most recently operating his own trucking business; and

    WHEREAS, during his lengthy career as a NASCAR driver covering the period from the 70's through the mid-1990's, Thomas Michael Porter competed first in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Division, where he was the original No. 3 in the black Chevy and won the pole position in its first race at Daytona in 1982, and later in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Division where he won over 100 victories racing late model stock cars; and

    Whereas, The Honorable Thomas Michael Porter, was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2004, 2006 and 2008, serving on numerous committees, most recently as Minority Vice-Chair of both the Government Organization and Veterans Affairs committees; and 

    Whereas, the years that the Honorable Thomas Michael Porter

served in the House of Delegates were characterized by his dedication, honesty, directness and common sense approach to the issues, and while he would, from time to time, disagree vigorously with his fellow Delegates, his good-hearted nature and ever-present welcoming smile ensured that their friendship was never in jeopardy; and

    Whereas, during his last term in the House of Delegates, Thomas Michael Porter demonstrated his commitment to his wife and to the House of Delegates by traveling to Charleston each morning to perform his legislative duties and returning to his home in Princeton each night to give comfort to his beloved wife Ruth while she was experiencing serious health problems; and

    Whereas, Sadly, the Honorable Thomas Michael Porter, passed away Monday, September 27, 2010 at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, W.Va., leaving behind a life of dedication and commitment to his family, community and state; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the House of Delegates:

    That the House of Delegates hereby memorializes the life of the Honorable Thomas Michael Porter, businessman, civic leader, U.S. Army veteran, successful NASCAR driver, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and proud West Virginian; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates hereby extends its sincere sympathy at the passing of the Honorable Thomas Michael Porter; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Thomas Michael Porter.