Ira Harry Porter was born May 22nd, 1940 to the union of Willie Porter, Sr. and Fannie (Allen) Porter in Bearden, Arkansas.  Ira was the sixth of 8 children (that lived to adulthood) born to this union.

The Porter family relocated from Arkansas to California in 1944, settling in Amsterdam near Atwater, CA.  Ira started his primary education at Washington Union School in Amsterdam. The family later moved into Atwater proper and Ira attended Mitchell Elementary school. He graduated from Livingston High School in 1959.

Ira was raised in a Christian home. His parents taught him to respect and honor God. As an adult, Ira worshipped with the 4 ^th & P Street church of Christ in Merced, CA where he had a special bond with the Beale, Marzette and Garner families.

Ira began his career in the Sweet Potato Growing Industry in 1964.  He joined California Sweet Potato Growers in Livingston, CA in 1965. And, he retired after 48 years of employment in 2013. Ira was a hard-working, industrious, genuine and peaceful man. All of his family members and friends were gifted with sweet potatoes for their pleasure during his working life.

Ira and his wife, Melba Savoy Porter, spent 40 years together. Together, they lived peacefully; and, were a joy to all of their neighbors, friends and family. Ira enjoyed his wife's cooking, fishing, tending to his home garden, spending quality time with his grandchildren, watching "The Young and the Restless", the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49'ers and the company of his dog, Kobe (his right-hand man).

Ira's peaceful and humble personality endeared him to many throughout his life. He was well-known and loved by many.  Ira was always willing to assist neighbors and people in need. And, he always enjoyed good food. His parents' nickname for him as a boy was "Eat Em Up".

Ira leaves to mourn, his loving wife, Melba Porter; 5 step children: Kevin Savoy, Francine Anderson, Gia Savoy, Sonya Howard and Sam Howard. 18 step grandchildren; Siblings: Jannie Mae Porter (Marvin Porter deceased), Ida Reddrick, Sara Wyatte (Lonnie), Willie Porter, Jr.,  Linnie Porter and Curtis Porter, Sr. (Laura), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Today, we honor the life and cherished memory of Ira Harry Porter; husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, family member and friend. We will all miss him; but are honored and blessed to have had him in our lives.