Darrell Ray Porter

Darrell Ray Porter, 73, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at his residence, following a period of declining health.

Ray was born January 11, 1952 in West Virginia to the late Robert Eph Porter and Ethel Mae Holbrook Porter. He was a faithful and devoted member of Crosslink Church and was passionate about his faith, prayer and devotion time with his wife, and sharing Jesus with others. He loved golfing, fishing, hunting; but most of all he loved to spend time with his grandbabies. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Eugene Porter, Elvie Porter, Jim Porter, Vernice Rose, Joyce Dennison, and Donna Stephens; and brothers-in-laws, John Sands, and Theron Dennison

Ray's memory will be forever cherished by his wife Ingrid Porter; children, Dwayne Porter and wife Robin, and Tara Lackey and husband Chris; stepdaughters, Cecily Tearra Brown (Hillsborough), Krystall Ember Flowe (Pastor Frank) of Tennessee, Kristin Kaylee Benton (Joshua) of Cramerton; stepsons, Chance Benjamin Benton (Sita) of Chapel Hill, Kailen Jai Benton, of Morganton; grandchildren, Daniel Porter and wife Elizabeth, Dylan Allen (Erika Nop), Savana Porter, Dakota Porter, Aniyah Dobson, Alaya Dobson, Mila Haynes, Pailyn Benton, Kiyara Benton, Iris Benton; Haynes Robinson, and Kai Benton; and great-grandchildren, Dixon Porter, Davis Porter, and Drake Porter. Also surviving are brothers, Aric Porter and wife Wendy, Rondall Porter and wife Dee, Terry Porter, and wife Missy, Carl “Rick” Porter and wife Kathy, Rodney Porter and wife Pam, Junior Porter wife Loretta, Keith Porter and wife Tammy; sisters, Dathene Dennison, and Pearl Sands, mother-in-law, Helen Haynes of Chapel Hill, sister-in-law Kisha Jenkins (Michael) of Georgia; and a host of other in-laws who loved and cherished him greatly.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the 700 Club at https://securegiving.cbn.com/ or to the Pan Foundation at https://www.panfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.