Dr. Samuel L Porter Jr, 82, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away Wednesday, April, 20, 2022 at home after a short illness.

Samuel was born on September, 1, 1939 in Beaumont, TX. He was the son of Samuel L and Lily Kate Porter.

A church organist since the age of eleven, Dr. Porter served churches in Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma and Idaho. He was last employed by First Baptist Church here in Chattanooga.

Samuel received the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Organ Performance, Music Theory and Literature from Baylor University. The Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance was awarded by the University of Alabama. In addition, Dr. Porter holds 3 of the American Guild of Organists certificates: Service Playing, Colleague and Associate.

Samuel had more than 30 years of college level teaching experience. He was Adjunct Professor of Organ and Accompanying at the University of Southern Mississippi, Associate Professor of music at Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Instructor, promoted to Assistant Professor, the granted tenure at University of Mississippi and was staff accompanist and Opera coach at Baylor University, Waco, TX. His students have been winners of local, state and regional competitions.

Samuel loved to travel and he performed recitals throughout the United States, Europe and South America, appearing as recitalist, accompanist and assisting artist. He is also a published author and composer.

Besides his parents Samuel was preceded in death his brother John Edwin Porter.  Surviving Samuel are his cousin Cynthia Denena of Bryan, TX, her children and David Smith of Chattanooga, TN.

Sam was an amazing person and one hell of an organist. He will be forever loved and missed.

A memorial service will be arranged at a later date.

Arrangements will be announced by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike;423-531-3975.