A Tribute to Billy R. Porter

Bill’s first publication was William Lawson, A Scottish Rebel, a history of the Lawson and other allied families. His second publication was, School Bells From The Past, bits and pieces of Wise County School history. He is currently working on Volume II of School Bells and a book on Politics in Wise County. He also compiled Our Community Heritage-Banner, Virginia, which is now in its second printing. Bill provided information and articles for Coeburn, Virginia, area history published by the Coeburn Kiwanis Club.

Billy R. Porter

In school, Bill’s favorite subject was history. About three decades ago he started doing local and regional historical research and this led him to become acquainted with the area historians whose tremendous knowledge was a great help.

His first publication was William Lawson, A Scottish Rebel, a history of the Lawson and other allied families.  His second publication was, School Bells From The Past, bits and pieces of Wise County School history. He is currently working on Volume II of School Bells and a book on Politics in Wise County.  He also compiled Our Community Heritage-Banner, Virginia, which is now in its second printing.  Bill provided information and articles for Coeburn, Virginia, area history published by the Coeburn Kiwanis Club.

Bill is a charter member of the Wise County Historical Society and volunteers several days a week to work in the office and bookstore.  Bill copies and binds all our books for sale and all donated material for our archives and performs other various chores.  He is indeed a valuable member of the Society.

Bill served four years in the Air Force, honorably discharged in 1965 and  is married to Diann Perry.  They have three children: Richard Porter, Kelly, married Paul Byrant; and Jane who married John Hall, Jr.  The Porter family reside in the Banner community near Coeburn, Virginia.

One thought on “A Tribute to Billy R. Porter”

  1. Hello, I would like to purchase the book william lawson scottish rebel
    We just found out this is my husband’s distant grandpa.

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