"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also, that love his appearing."

II Timothy 4: 7-8

Tommy C. Portley was born in Rusk County, East Texas , on December 17, 1942, to TC Portley and Shellie Mae (Davis) Portley. He was the eldest of eight children. He graduated from Carver High School in Greenville, Texas and continued his education on academic and football scholarships at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins Texas. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1965 , he taught History at Prairie View A & M University and MC Williams and Robert E. Lee High Schools in Houston, Texas until 1972. Tommy continued to support Jarvis Christian College as an active member of the Alumni Association working to provide scholarships for students.

After teaching, he began his career with  Allstate Insurance Company where he received numerous awards and vacation trips for excellence in service as an independent agent.  He faithfully served his community, friends, and family until he retired in early 2020.

Tommy was a faithful member of Holman Street Baptist Church for 44 years. He served over 30 years as a Sunday School Teacher.  He was also a leader of the Judah Tribe and an active participant in the HSBC Annual Men's Day . He was most proud to serve as  the leader of the HSBC Building Fund Committee. He witnessed the completion of the church's current building and most recently, the paying off of the church mortgage.

Tommy loved and cherished his family. He found true love with Doris (Davis) Portley, who was his wife and best friend for forty years of marriage. They traveled extensively to such places as Japan, Singapore, Argentina, Spain, Paris, Indonesia, Switzerland and many other beautiful places . He was a present source of strength and support for his family, near and far.

Tommy was called to be with the Lord on June 30, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his parents, TC and  Shellie Mae Portley; his brothers, Johnny Lee and Robert Jefferson Portley; and his sisters, Evia Dean and Shirley Jean Portley.  He leaves behind  his loving wife of 40 years, Doris Portley, his three daughters Tameka Portley Sneed (Glen), Ericka Portley Greene (Rodney) and Dana Portley Manuel (James); six grandchildren:  Jessica Camacho (Jose), Avery Evans (Kelly), Candice Jones, David Jones (Darlene), Christopher Simpson and Elizabeth Manuel; four great-grandchildren:  Abigail Camacho, Amiyah Jones, Olivia Camacho, Melody Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends .

He was loved and well respected as a loyal husband, father, brother, leader, and friend and will be greatly missed by all.