Billy Porter

Porter, Billy Joe 1932 - 2018 Billy Joe “BJ” Porter, age 85 of Worthington, died Monday July 9, 2018. Billy Joe was born on October 16, 1932 in Commerce, Texas, to the late Joe Olin and Jessie Estelle (Spangler) Porter. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years Cordelia (Gillis) Porter, sons Pat (Theresa) Porter, Chris Porter and, grandson Justin Porter; sister Marianna Lacy and nieces Angie (Dave) Lewis and Cindy (Les) Conley, and numerous friends. Billy Joe served in the USAF during the Korean War, stationed in Puerto Rico at Ramey AFB assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 38th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and led the 522nd Air Force Band as drum major. Prior to discharge, he was stationed in Ohio at Lockbourne AFB assigned to the 801st Reconnaissance Technical Squadron. Billy Joe graduated from East Texas State College (now Texas A&M – Commerce) where he received his degree in organic chemistry and was a member of Pi Kappa Nu. After graduation, BJ began his career as a research scientist in food technology. Starting at Pet Milk Company in Greenville, Illinois, he pioneered development of protein-based liquid meals creating Very Vanilla, Very Chocolate and Very Strawberry flavorings for Sego brand diet drinks. At Monsanto Company in St. Louis, Missouri he co-developed Space Food Sticks, a nutritionally balanced forerunner of energy bars; a derivative of which was deployed on Skylab 3 and PUMA, a soy isolate protein rich drink marketed in Guyana. Culminating his 40-year career as a food technologist at Worthington Foods, Inc. in Worthington Ohio, he was instrumental in the development of Better'n Eggs, a high protein, cholesterol free, fat free food made from real eggs and contributed to the development of the Morningstar Farms line of vegetarian foods and meat alternatives. BJ taught youth Sunday School, was a member of Toastmasters and loved to golf and fish. Friends may call on Saturday July 21, 2018 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St in Worthington where a Celebration of BJ’s Life will be held at 3:00 pm led by Sean Warren as Celebrant. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.

Billy Porter

October 16, 1932 - July 9, 2018