William Forest Porter
Rev. William Forest Porter, Jr. September 19, 2025 Rev. William Forest Porter, Jr,, 74, of Lake Anna, Va, died on Friday, September 19, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1950, in Lawrenceville, VA, to the late Forest and Lucille Porter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ruth Swortzel Porter.
He is survived by his daughter, Rev. Dr. Sara Porter Keeling and her husband Shawn; grandchildren Savannah, Sage, and Stone Keeling; sister Annie Wax; brother-in-law Shannon Swortzel and his wife Sandra; six nephews and nieces; and numerous great nephews and nieces.
Born and raised in Brunswick County, he attended Eastern Mennonite College and Seminary. He was first appointed to serve a United Methodist Church in 1970 and was ordained an elder in 1978. Throughout his 36 years of ministry, he served four churches, Mountain Valley, Parnassus, Lynnhaven, and Trinity (Orange), before retiring in 2007.
He served Trinity UMC for 23 years. During this time in Orange, he became deeply connected not only to the church but to the wider community. Sometimes referred to as the “mayor of Orange,” he worked tirelessly to connect people, assist in their time of need, and be a friendly voice and presence. He was President of Love Outreach Food Pantry for many years and instrumental in its beginning and success. He was known and loved by many.
He deeply cared about his family and staying up to date on their wellbeing and adventures. He could and would talk to anyone, relaying stories from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Forest loved being outside. Along with his wife Ruth, he loved to take his boat out on lake Anna or the RV to the mountains. He could not sit still. He was a world class tinkerer and excelled at puttering around, whether working on cars or weeding the yard.
Forest leaves behind a legacy of love and deep commitment to God and community.
Arrangements: Memorial service Thursday, September 25, 11 am at Trinity UMC, 143 W Main St, Orange, Va; and internment at a later date. Rev. Philip Hong, officiating.
The family requests that any donations in Forest’s memory go to Trinity UMC (143 W Main St, Orange, VA 22960) or Love Outreach Food Pantry (PO Box 788, Orange VA 22960).
