02/10/2026
The following obituary has been beautifully written by Jerry's family:
On February 8, 2026, at 84 years old, Jerry Clarence Porch was called home by the Lord, finally free from the pain and suffering of this earth. Thanks to the redemptive blood of Christ, this good and faithful servant of God now rejoices in a perfect body, healed and made new.
Jerry was born in Guntersville, Alabama on January 18, 1942 to Clarence Comer Porch and Estelle Brown Porch. Jerry grew up exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors, often fishing and skiing on Guntersville Lake. While he was an only child, he spent a lot of time with his cousins Don Brown and Jimmy Bobo. Jerry also enjoyed traveling to watch Alabama football games. As an animal lover, Jerry had many pets over the years; besides his dogs Lassie, Honey, Ginger, Sugar Bear, and Buddy, he also had a skunk, a pigeon, and a squirrel. Jerry was blessed with two parents who both knew and loved the Lord, and he gave his life to Christ as well at a young age.
In 1959, Jerry began attending the University of Alabama where he grew stronger in his lifelong devotion to the Crimson Tide. He joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After finishing his undergraduate degree in History and English, Jerry continued his education at the University of Alabama Law School. In 1963, he met and fell in love with Sara Duren who also attended Alabama. They married in 1964, and Jerry graduated from Alabama Law School in 1966.
Soon after, they moved to Russellville, Alabama and began to put down roots. Jerry was drawn to the small town that reminded him of where he had grown up. He joined the old Guin law firm where he worked for the next 15 years before opening his own practice. Jerry then served the community from his office in downtown Russellville for another 28 years. His sharp mind lent well to a career in law, but people most remembered Jerry for his kindness. He provided legal advice to churches in the area at no cost, and he also was a favorite of DHR for his assistance in family law cases. His 43-year law career remains a stalwart example of Jerry’s dedication, intellect, and care.
In 1967, Jerry’s daughter, Jeanne Estelle, was born right after he returned from a 6-month service with the Alabama National Guard. Just one year later, the family welcomed a son, Jerry C. Porch Jr. A devoted father who loved his kids, Jerry raised them to know and love the Lord as well.
The Porches were members of Russellville First Baptist Church for over 50 years. Jerry taught Sunday School for 35 years, served as a deacon and church treasurer, and sang in the choir for 40 years. His dedication to growing his relationship with God was evident in his practice of Scripture memorization. Even after dementia stole so much from him, Jerry could still recite large swaths of Scripture “hidden away” in his heart.
Jerry was very involved in Jaycee’s and the Civitan Club. He had an avid love of reading, particularly enjoying the works of W.E.B. Griffin, Joel Rosenberg, and Louis L’Amour. He enjoyed playing cards and board games with his family. He also enjoyed individual pursuits such as crosswords and computer solitaire.
The last few years of Jerry’s life were marked with health struggles both in his body and mind. But sometimes, his trademark charm and dry wit cut through dementia’s hold. His blue eyes would shine bright as he sang old hymns and country western songs. Even this past Christmas, he continued his tradition of reciting Luke 2 for the family. While his family mourns the loss of Jerry here on earth, we are joyful in knowing he now walks with Jesus with a healed body and mind.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sara Duren Porch; daughter, Jeanne (Peter) Simpson; son, Jerry (Terri) Porch Jr.; granddaughter, Sara Grace (Ethan) Hofer; granddaughter, Claire (Louis) Hamilton; grandson, Paul (Anne Marie) Simpson; grandson, Jerry “Trey” (Lindsey) Porch III; granddaughter, Leslie Brooke (Harley Hogue) Porch; grandson, Luke Simpson; 7 great-grandchildren, Logan Hofer, Alaina Hofer, Tucker Simpson, Isabelle Hamilton, Josephine Hamilton, Stokely Porch, and Baby Simpson; and many other family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Estelle Porch.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Russellville, Alabama on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. where the service will be at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Jerry’s memory to the Russellville First Baptist Church Faith Forward Fund.
Jerry passed away on February 8th, 2026
