MERIDEN - Willie Ray Porter, 87, of Meriden, beloved husband of the late Ann (Liedke) Porter, departed this life Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Masonicare Health Center. Willie was born on March 6, 1928, in Van, WV to Leslie and Carrie (Keffer) Porter. He was a 1945 graduate of Van High School where he was Captain of the football team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 - 1948 aboard the U.S.S. Hale Destroyer 642. Willie retired from Pratt & Whitney in 1992 after 32 years. Never one to be idle, he then enjoyed working and making good friends at both Mountainside Special Events Facility and later Walmart. Willie was an avid sports fan. He loved the NY Mets, Jets, and Nets. His passions were bowling, gardening, splitting firewood and tending his woodstove, caring for his chickens and dogs, nature, watching wrestling matches, and in recent years being a great "Papa" to his grandchildren. He is survived by his step-son Scott MacDonald and his wife Lynn of East Hampton, CT and their two children, Christopher and Elizabeth. He also leaves behind two daughters Marilyn Porter and Mitzi Fermin of Meriden, CT, Mitzi's children Alisha and Tasha, a brother Emory Porter, and sister Gloria Jean Lamb. He is preceded in death by his former wife Dorothy (Riberio) Porter, two brothers Harold and James, and four sisters Lillian, Helen, Doris, and Kathleen. A graveside service will be held for Willie on Friday, June 26th at 11:30 AM at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown with full Military Honors. The B. C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff at Masonicare Ramage 6 for their wonderful care. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Meriden Human Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.