Wesley Porterfield , Jr.

Wesley ‘Bud’ Porterfield, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 23, 2016, surrounded by his family. Bud was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Porterfield, Sr., his mother, Hazel Porterfield, his son, Robert Wesley ‘Bobby’ Porterfield and wife, Mary Porterfield, his one and only love. Bud joined the Marines in December, 1943, at 17 years of age. He served in the 5th Marine Division. Bud fought in the battle of Iwo Jima, and was wounded on the 28th day of the battle, earning the Purple Heart. Bud personally witnessed the raising of the iconic flag on Mt. Suribachi. Following recovery of his wounds, he served on the Peacekeeping Force on the Japanese mainland after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Bud was honorably discharged on July 22, 1946, receiving $325.25 in travel and back pay. Bud then returned to his home town of Connellsville, PA, to work in the family lumber business. In the spring of 1946 Bud began dating Mary Jane Carson. By October of 1946, Bud presented Mary Jane with a proposal…..”Should we get married or what?” At this time Bud was 20 years old and Mary was 17. They eloped and went to Maryland on October 16, 1946. In addition to working in the family business lumber business, Bus was an avid outdoorsman, excelling at hunting turkey, deer and elk. Bud was also an avid fisherman. In order to spend as much time as possible with the love of her life, Mary learned to hunt and fish with Bud. On March 27th, 1948, their first child, Linda Lou was born. Subsequently a son, Robert Wesley ‘Bobby’ was born on October 7th, 1951. On March 9th, 1953, Patti Ann arrived, to which Bud replied, “That’s it! No more!” Being tired of the PA winters, in 1956 Bud and Mary relocated to Miami, Fl. They later relocated in 1959 to their final hometown of Sebring, Fl. Where they bought and ran the “Miller Motel.” After selling the motel in 1977, Bud and Mary established an aluminum fabricating business. Together they built a large percentage of screened rooms in mobile home parks and subdivisions in Sebring. Bud and Mary retired in 1996. By late 1996, Bud’s industrious ways found him working in the paint and hardware department of a local Walmart. Bud worked for Walmart until 2013, when he did retire for the last time. Bud and Mary enjoyed traveling and a new found hobby, square dancing; prior to and after retirement. In April of 2003, Bud’s beloved Mary entered into her eternal rest. For the final 13 years of his life Bud sadly missed his only girlfriend and soulmate. Over the last 13 years, Bud stayed busy hunting and fishing with his grandsons, always looking forward to the next hunting trip. Too many who knew him, Bud will remain a hero as part of the “Greatest Generation.” Happy hunting Bud!

Wesley Porterfield , Jr.

April 19, 1926 - March 23, 2016