Michael Portis

Lepanto lost a great volunteer, philanthropist and friend last Thursday when Michael Portis died at the age of 57 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. Known as Mik'l to his friends and family, Portis was an honorary fireman of the Lepanto Fire Department and was instrumental in the construction of the new department in 2004. Because of their work with the fire department, he and his brother Daniel were honored as grand marshals of the 73rd Annual Terrapin Derby parade in Lepanto.

Born March 9, 1951, he was the beloved son of Juliet and Dan F. Portis and brother of Danette Lawrie, Julanne Ingram and Daniel F. Portis, III.

Portis had a great love of animals. He took very good care of his dog, Annie, his cats, Tatto and Jett and his bird, Bird. One of his favorite things to do was mow the yard at home and the fire department yard with his best friend, Ricky Laden.

Family members and friends say Portis could be quite the comedian, and they will all miss his many comments and observations about every day events in his life. His sense of humor was priceless, keeping his family and friends entertained by his great imitation of people and animals.

Portis also loved being around all of the children in the family. His room held many interesting toys and treasures for the children to see.

Portis liked to cook and one of his favorite things to make was popcorn. Family members say he could make the best popcorn in the world, and if he ever got mad at someone he would jokingly say, "No more popcorn for you."

Portis leaves three nieces, Juliet Romano of Seattle, Wash., Dannal Perry of New Orleans, La., and Hadley Arnold of West Memphis; Two nephews, Henry G. Watkins of Lepanto and Benjamin Perry of West Memphis; four great nieces, Juliet Jordan Romano of Seattle, Wash., and Julia Perry, Abigail Arnold and Scottie Arnold all of West Memphis; three great-nephews, Henry Romano and Will Romano of Seattle, Wash. and Harden Perry of West Memphis.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Potter Memorial Cemetery in Lepanto under the direction of Murphy Funeral Home.

A very thoughtful, kind and generous person, Portis will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.