Elbert Porter , 83, entered into his heavenly home Friday, February 25, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 28, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Don Windham and Sister Melba Rodgers officiating.  Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County.

Elbert was born October 20, 1938, to John and Velma Porter.  He went to work for Sante Fe railroad where he was a part of the bridge gang.  He retired in September 2000, after 33 years.

Elbert loved God and was a member of Mt. Calvary Church.  He spent his retired time working in the yard with his dogs Lulu and Leroy.  He was a devoted father and grandfather and enjoyed playing with the grandkids as much as possible.  He took pride in his family and never missed anything they were involved in.  He was also a Master Mason at the Shelbyville Lodge for more than fifty two years.

Elbert is survived by daughter, Brenda and Ronny Hogue; stepdaughters, Linda Whittlesey and Patsy and Elbert Jones; grandchildren, Ricky and Christina Sims, Michael Sims and Brandi, Jennifer Matthews, Daphne Lovell, Amber Frazier, Dewayne Jones, Candy Hogue, Jolene Hogue, and Brad Hogue; great grandchildren, Paige and James Jones, Mallory Sims, Tre Sims and Kaitland, Trent Sims, Trace Sims, Trinity Sims, Ella Mathews, Porter Matthews, and Christian Clark; great great granddaughter, Paislee Sims; two special nieces, GeGe Byrd and Diane Carrol; and adopted daughter, Gwen Hutto.

Preceded in death by wife, Wilda Porter; parents, John and Velma Porter; siblings, Bernice Campbell, Ruby Kee Bolton, Helen Joy Dennis; and two step grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Darryl McDaniel, Randy Dennis, Vic Cooper, Greg McDonald, Jason Wells, and Shannon Shofner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tre Sims, Trent Sims, Trace Sims, James Jones, Porter Matthew, and Ron Wherry.