Porter Harvey, Jr.

Porter Harvey Jr, 78, passed away on December 10^th after a much to short, hard fought battle with agent orange related cancer.  Porter was a master craftsman, who specialized in the art of woodworking. Porter spent over 60 years building and flying radio control airplanes.  He was happiest when he could cut and mill his own lumber on his land and work on a project.  Whether it was one of his projects or one of his planes, wood spoke to him and his creations were an artform.  Porter had a proud resume of things that he had built but nothing gave him more joy than working with his grandsons on multiple projects that included car ports, pizza oven, stairs, decks and additions as well as remodeling his daughters house with her.  

Porter served his country proudly as an Army grunt, Infantry Squad Leader in 66/67 and was with the A co 2/12, 4^th infantry Div and B co 4/31^st 196^th LIB.  When filling out paperwork he would write that he was a graduate of “The Vietnam War University.”  A born leader he received not only his “CIB” but was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation/Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars/Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation/many expert arms awards/Good conduct medal, as well as several other awards.  Porter was a 240% disabled veteran and over that last several years was on a personal crusade to help as many veterans receive not only financial support but mental and physical support through the VA.  He proudly listed the names of over 30 veterans on the wall of his shop who benefited from his counseling and received their 100% for service-connected disability.

Porter is survived by his high school sweetheart of 57 years Jeanne, Daughter Tracy Bell and her partner Mike Gangell, Son Cory Harvey and his wife Jennifer, grandsons Quentin and Zachary Bell and granddaughter Kaylee Harvey, Sister Tinka & brother-in-law Richard Skilton, nephews Todd and Mark Skilton and their families as well as, several cousins. Porter was also very involved in and is leaving behind some of the best groups of men in his Vet-to-Vet group out of Athens GA, the flying club, Hartwell Tailspiners out of Hartwell GA and the Alpha Association out of CT.  His service dog of 14 years, Kate, passed away a week before his death.  They were attached from the moment they met and he cherished her and she him. 

Porter and Kate met through AmericanVetDogs and the family asks anyone that would like to donate in his name please do so through: vetdogs.org.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Porter Harvey, Jr.