Thomas Christopher Porter

Sgt. Thomas Christopher Porter (Ret.), 35, of Columbia, A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the families home, 16 Dunnock Court, Columbia, SC 29229 with military honors. Thomas passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 after his valiant battle with leukemia.However, leukemia did not define him and he was stubborn fighting all the way to the end but surrounded by the love of his family and friends.Born and raised in West Columbia.Lived in California for most of his adult life however returned two years ago to be with is daughter, family and friends. Thomas was the son Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Wells Porter and Ricky George Porter. Sgt. Thomas Porter, retired in August, 2012 from his 12 year position as a Field Radio Operator in the united States Marine Corps. Thomas decided to go to Wil Lou Grey’s JROTC’s youth Challenge, this is where he started it all by becoming the battalion Commander Class of 2000, and he always wanted to be a Marine! He was an OEF & OIF Veteran with 3 overseas tours, 3 Iraq Campaign Medals, 3 Marine Good Conduct Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. He was an undefinable unique individual with aspiration of greatness to help others.Thomas was a loving father, husband, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. Surviving are his beloved wife, Adrianne D. Gomez Porter; daughter, Taylor Caylin Porter; mother and father, Beth and Ricky Porter; sister, Keri Ford (Bryan); nieces, Emily Ford, Shayne and Auden Gomez; nephew, Zach Ford; brothers-in-law, Rohn Gomez & Eric Gomez (Jennifer); mother and father-in-law, Charles and Lena Gomez; grandfather, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.