John Ray Portman

A memorial service for John Ray Portman, 70, of Kershaw, will be held at 11:00 o’clock a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2017, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home. Burial will be private. The Revs. Larry Reeves and Doug Martin will officiate.

Mr. Portman died Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at his home. Born in Kershaw, he was a son of the late Clyde and Myrtle Boykin Portman and Perry and Martile Moseley. Mr. Portman retired from the US Postal Service. He was a member of Abney Masonic Lodge # 211 where he served as secretary for 17 years, Past Commander of American Legion, Post # 63, a member of the V.F.W. and former member of Kershaw Lions Club and had served as their President. Mr. Portman served his country in the US Army, serving during Vietnam and was a Lt. Col. in the US Army Reserves. He enjoyed attending church, listening to music, especially Bluegrass, farming and reading. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Most recently he enjoyed visiting and exploring Germany and Israel.

Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Diane Baker Portman; 3 sons, Sam Portman and his wife Amy of Kershaw, Eddie Portman and his wife Paola of Columbia and Ronnie Portman of Kershaw; 7 grandchildren, Erica Portman, Johnathon Portman, Veronica Portman, Pierce Portman, Isaiah Portman, Reanna Portman and Emily Portman; 4 sisters, Pauline Bankhead of Griffin, GA., Clida Holley and her husband Mickey of Pageland, Linda Portman Gainey of Bishopville and Virgie Hinson and her husband Danny of Kershaw and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Heidi Portman in 1980.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service , Saturday, April 29, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Cemetery Fund, c/o Sam Portman, 125 Blackmon Street, Kershaw, SC 29067 or Pleasant Hill Church of God, 209 Barrett Road, Heath Springs, SC 29058.