William "Bill" Albright Porter, a man who loved his family fiercely, his good friends deeply, and lived life fully with gusto and zest, passed away of natural causes on June 20, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, at the age of 79.

Born on November 11, 1946, Mobile, AL. Bill was a man of remarkable talent and adventurous spirit. He earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Auburn, AL and pursued graduate studies at Rice University in Houston, TX. Early in his career, Bill served honorably as an Naval Intelligence Officer in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

His professional journey began as an architect, in San Francisco, CA at KMD Architects where he planned and designed commercial developments across the world. An entrepreneur at heart, Bill later founded several successful technology market research companies, advising top global corporations. He also taught and wrote several business books on customer experience, sharing his insights and expertise.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a renaissance man with a diverse range of passions. He was an accomplished watercolor painter, capturing the beauty of his hometown, Mobile, AL and Savannah, GA coastlines, Mexico, and creating art for his beloved family, including paintings of their homes and special pieces for his grandkids nurseries. Bill's love for travel took him across Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, and Japan, leaving him with a lifetime of adventures, cherished memories, and love for continuous learning about other cultures. He also enjoyed writing, in addition to his business books, he also wrote several fiction books and short stories.

Music was another joyful part of Bill's life. He sang in his high school band in Mobile, The New Castle Singers, and his appreciation for music spanned genres, with a particular fondness for jazz, guitar, and oldies. Bill was always the unofficial family entertainer, delighting generations with his ukulele at gatherings. Bill's vibrant sense of humor and zest for life were infectious, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Bill is survived by his devoted children, Jessica Tanzer and her husband Teddy Tanzer, and Powell Porter and his wife Katherine Porter. He was a proud grandfather to Wells, Porter, Isla, and Logan who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his ex wife, Cynthia Porter.

A private burial will be held for William Albright Porter at the Georgia National Cemetery on August 1, 2025.

The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life in his honor on August 2, 2025, in Brookhaven, GA. Details regarding the time and specific location will be shared by the family.

In lieu of flowers, consider giving a donation to Art for the Journey in Bill’s name which helps offer art workshops, supplies, and resources to underserved communities including children and adults including veterans.  

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