Alan Porter

Russell Alan Porter, Jr. (Alan) was born at home in Ennis, Texas, on April 13, 1935, to Russell and Marie Porter. He grew up in the days when the railroad was king and as a kid he often rode the train by himself to see his grandparents in Corsicana. Both grandfathers, an uncle and his father all worked for the railroad.

In his early 20s Alan got a bachelor’s degree in accounting, worked part time for the railroad, married, fathered two daughters and at night danced the North Texas State Push at one of Jack Ruby’s night clubs in Dallas.

Alan went on to get a PhD in accounting from University of Arkansas and taught university-level accounting for the rest of his life at Texas A&M, University of Tulsa, Brooklyn City College, Fort Lewis College and University of New Mexico. He also taught internationally in Finland and Poland. His students loved him. He was the kind of guy who had life-long friends.

Alan was a runner before it was fashionable and completed several marathons during his life. He was a great music lover and enjoyed singing. He was a member of the singing group “The Enchanters” and had a surprisingly deep bass voice.

Alan met the love of his life, Gail Feigenbaum, while folk dancing in Albuquerque, NM, in 1985. They married in 1988 and had a great life together dancing, traveling and being each other’s best friend. He loved her deeply.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Feigenbaum; sister, Barbara Miller; children: Carla Porter Elliott (husband Chuck), Melissa Porter and Jeffrey Porter; grandchildren, Shannon Porter and Jonathan Fisher; nieces and nephews: Denise, Mark and Kevin Miller; six great nieces and nephews and two great-great nephews. He was so loved and will be missed by us all.

Alan passed away on January 25, 2021, with Gail by his side. From Gail, “Shalom sweet Alan. I love you forever.”

The family is grateful for all remembrances and condolences and suggests the Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque, NM for memorial contributions (rrfb.org).