William Kenneth "Bill" Port

William Kenneth "Bill" Port, Sr., 75, of Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC passed at home Saturday, July 17, 2010 after an extended illness. Bill was born June 30, 1935 in Burke County to the late Kenneth Charles Port and Iris Smith Port Mull. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, son and friend. He loved his wife with all his heart and soul. Bill worked very hard to be a wonderful provider for his family. He grew and raised a huge garden to share with his family and friends. Known by most as "Bill", he was lovingly called "daddy or "Pop" by his family. He never let the truth get in the way of a good story - anything for a laugh. He was a member of Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church, but also attended Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine Janette Thompson Port.Bill is survived by a son, Kenn Port and his wife, Cheryl of Candler, NC; daughters, Lisa Port Garland of Marion and Lorina Port Crook and her husband, Michael of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Heather Port, Catherine Port, Charles Port, Ashley Garland, Megan Garland, Alexandria Crook and Riley Crook; great grandchildren, Taylor Garland, Landon Garland and Jenson Hawkins; a sister, Linda Joann Brown of Morganton; a very special aunt, Beulah Anderson; a special brother-in-law and his wife, Dean and Velma Thompson; and a great friend Joe Frisbee.A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Roger Brackett, Rev. Dean Lavender and Pastor Barry Mahorney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to The Red Cross Blood Center, Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter, 100 Edgewood Rd., Asheville, NC 28804.