David Howard Porter, 80, of Doraville, GA, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 10, 1943, in Detroit, MI, to Roswell Howard Porter and Lena (Christie) Porter. David dedicated his life to his family and the airline industry, enjoying a remarkable career.
David grew up on Stout Street in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School in 1961. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Marine Corps, where he developed a passion for aeronautics as a weather observer at NAES Lakehurst, NJ, and later worked at MCAS Beaufort, SC, and MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, in base operations and the control tower.
After completing his military service, David began working for Delta Air Lines in 1965 as a Ramp Service Agent in Detroit and rose through the ranks in the Delta Stations department.
While working in Detroit, David met his wife, Carole (Bennett) Porter, then a flight attendant with Delta, and they were married on June 12, 1971. David and Carole lived in various locations, including Houston, TX; Keene, NH; Portland, ME; Peachtree City, GA; and Doraville, GA.
In 1987, David transitioned to Delta Flight Control in Atlanta as a Flight Superintendent in international markets, eventually retiring as Manager-Operations Services in 2001. Throughout his career, David was instrumental in the formation of the Airline Dispatch Federation (ADF) and served in leadership roles, including IFALDA President.
Post-retirement, he continued his aviation contributions with the U.S. Air Force and the FAA, retiring in 2011. Passionate about flight dispatch, he remained active with IFALDA and engaged in consulting until his death.
David enjoyed traveling and cruising with his wife, as well as family beach trips to South Carolina. He loved building model trains, brewing beer, and spending time with his dogs. Known as a tall, imposing figure with an equally gentle disposition, David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
David is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carole; his first son, Gavin Howard Porter, and his wife, Jane Porter, along with their sons, Lucas and Nico Porter of Doraville, GA; his second son, Matthew Fleming Porter, and his sons, Miles and Silas Porter of Leavenworth, WA. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Schultz of Las Cruces, NM; Robert (Chris) Hunter of Boston, MA; Suzanne Paige of Detroit, MI; and William Hunter of Montevallo, AL. He was predeceased by his brother, John Porter.
David’s legacy of love, dedication, and passion for aviation will be remembered by all who knew him.
