Leo Portis

Beckley, WV- Leo Alvin Portis, age 97, passed away on 12/20/2011, in the VA Medical Center of Beckley, WV. He was a long time resident of Bluefield, WV; and most recently lived at the Villages of Greystone in Beaver, WV. Born on December 6, 1914, he was the son of the late William Roy Portis and Lucy Cundiff Portis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Clara Virginia Portis and Ruth Portis Humphrey, and one brother, Donald Eugene Portis. Leo was a graduate of Beaver High School, Bluefield, WV, January class of 1933. He was a WWII veteran of the Naval Air Force serving in combat in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was a member of the Riley-Vest Post No.9 of the American Legion. Leo was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church (Bluefield), where he served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a Trustee. Leo retired from the United States Postal Service and was a charter member and past President of Bluefield Chapter 1584 of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Bluefield Elks Lodge # 269. In addition, he was a member and past Governor of the Loyal Order of Moose, Bluefield Lodge # 1079, and achieved the Legions’ highest award. the Pilgrim Degree. Leo is survived by his daughter, Sheila Portis Fischetti of Matthews, NC, and her husband, Michael; three grandchildren, Libbie Sowers and husband, Sean; Jessica Micek and husband, Chris; Leslie Young and husband, Jonathan; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves his special friend, Joyce Kelley, of the Villages of Greystone. In addition, Leo is survived by his many friends at Greystone, and the wonderful staff who were like an extended family to him. Also, the fantastic staff of nurses, doctors, assistants, and everyone else who was part of his care team at the VA Medical Center in Beckley. He could not have had a better group of people taking care of him. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday December 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel in Bluefield. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park of Bluewell, WV where family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. The U.S. Navy will provide military graveside rites. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1816 Jefferson Street, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield, WV, is serving the Portis family.

Leo Portis

December 6, 1914 - December 20, 2011