John Michael Brennan Porter

J. Michael Porter, 75, of Sun City Hilton Head Bluffton, passed away on December 17, 2017, surrounded by his family after a short illness with cancer. Services will be at The Church of the Palms United Methodist at 1425 Okatie Hwy. on December 29 at 11:00 a.m. Mike was born on March 7, 1942 in Ann Arbor, MI to Carroll and Alice Brennan Porter. He grew up in Plymouth, MI and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1960. He received his BS degree from Michigan State University in Landscape Architecture in 1965. Mike married Lesley Kay Ellward from Belleville, MI on July 2, 1965. They moved to Toledo, OH where he began his career with the City of Toledo in the Parks Department. In 1966, Mike was drafted into the Army. He spent his last year in Vietnam as a Chaplin’s assistant. Upon his return he was appointed Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. During that time, he was responsible for funding and construction of a new 18 hole golf course with architect Arthur Hills. Mike was next appointed Director of Natural Resources. In 1979 Mike was appointed City Manager of Toledo. In 1981 he left to become the President of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce. During his time the city became “An All American City” in 1984. From 1991 to 2001 Mike was the Associate Vice-President for government affairs and community services at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo. Mike and Kay retired in December 2001 and moved to Sun City Hilton Head. They have enjoyed every day. Mike spent his time playing golf several times a week. Besides golf Mike was involved with the Sun City Theater by designing and constructing sets. Mike took on the project of Building Chairman for the Church of the Palms new Christian Life Center. That project was almost 5 years in process. The finishing details are still being worked but he was able to see it almost to completion. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Kay. He is also survived by his daughter Deborah Pittenger (Mike) and son J. Michael Jr. He has 4 wonderful grandchildren, Drew and Evan Pittenger and Rose and Leighton Porter; and his sister Kay (Gerald). The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice of the Lowcountry and to all our family, friends, neighbors and all the people from our church who have helped us on this journey. Memorials may be made to the building fund at the Church of the Palms United Methodist Church, 1425 Okatie Hwy. or Hospice of the Lowcountry, 7 Plantation Park Dr. Suite 4, Bluffton, SC.