Powell Douglas Porter

Powell Douglas Porter, 84, of Key Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 10, 2025, just 13 days shy of his 85th birthday.

Born on September 23, 1940, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Hazel Lee (Philipps) Triplett and the late Newmy Porter.

At Powell’s request, a celebration of life “party” will be held at his Key Largo residence on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The family asks that guests honor his spirit by wearing festive, bright colors.

Powell is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Lori Porter; their cherished daughter, Izabella Leeann Porter of Key Largo; and a circle of close friends he considered his chosen family.

Powell proudly served his country in special forces as a U.S. Army flight medic. After his honorable discharge, he began his career as a mechanic with General Motors in Baltimore, Maryland, before spending time in Southern California. Eventually, he settled in South Florida, where he built a thriving career as an entrepreneur. He founded and operated several successful businesses, including Eastern Exterminating, a well-regarded lawn & ornamental pest control and Coastal fumigation company, considered one of the top in the country, and R&S Lures, a popular lure company. Together with Lori, Powell also owned Porter Ranch in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, where they raised champion Rocky Mountain Horses.

A passionate fisherman, Powell spent countless days on the waters of South Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. His vision and creativity left a lasting mark on the boating and sportfishing industry, where many of his ideas became revolutionary. Yet, he often said his greatest calling was to be a “fisher of men.” As the founding pastor of Faith Team Ministries in Miami, Powell devoted his life to sharing the gospel, guiding others to faith, and shaping messages that continue to resonate in ministries across the nation. His unwavering passion for God touched countless lives and left an enduring legacy of faith and hope.

Powell and Lori married in 2002, building a life together between their beloved homes in Key Largo and Moravian Falls. Their greatest joy came in 2009 with the arrival of their daughter, Izabella, who became a bright light of Powell’s later years.

Those who knew Powell will remember him as a larger-than-life presence who filled every room with laughter, warmth, and generosity. He lived to serve others, always giving freely and never expecting anything in return. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his legacy of faith, kindness, and joy will endure. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Powell’s honor to the American Legion of Key Largo americanlegion333@yahoo.com