Mr. Albertus "Swamp Man" Porter

Albertus Porter, affectionately known as the Almighty “Swamp Man”, was born on March 29, 1941, to the late Taylor Porter and Janie Washington Porter in Mayesville, South Carolina.  He departed this life peacefully November 20, 2021, while being rehabilitated at Calhoun Convalescent Center in South Carolina at the age of 80. 

Albert attended Mount Pleasant High School and was known to many as “Moot” and “Al” growing up. He left South Carolina at an early age to travel globally and become a legendary entertainer with a great love for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. He was a great James Brown impersonator and performed a variety of the artist’s songs on many stages including the Apollo in New York and Empire Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia along with his band and partner, Lil Jackie. He became known as “Swamp Man”. He participated in many community events and was well-loved by thousands. He gave love and received love wherever he went.

Albert was joined in Holy Matrimony with Doris L. Goodwin Porter in Columbia, South Carolina on August 21, 1972. They were happily married for 44 years and from their union two beautiful children were born, Devlon and Clarissa.

Albert dedicated his life to his family and was a pillar of his community. He coached Dixie Youth Baseball for many years. He focused on at-risk youth who didn't have anyone to teach them or provide them the opportunity to get involved with sports. He would often take the children from troubled communities to and from his neighborhood park for practice. He made champions out of kids that were likely to end up in jail or dead. Generations of children loved and respected him for how he came into their lives and raised their self-confidence. Outside of community work, Albert made a conscious effort to visit with family and friends often. He especially loved to spend time with his twin granddaughters until his health declined.

Albert worked for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health as Head Custodian and was recognized for his superior performance at the South Carolina State Hospital. He was loved dearly by his employees and retired after 35 years of service. 

Albert joined Gunter’s Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and served on the Gunter’s Chapel Baptist Church Men’s Chorus. He later joined Love Missionary Baptist Church as a dedicated member.

In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Goodwin Porter; daughter, Clarissa Kenyatta Porter; brothers, Joe Washington, Jessie Porter, and Leo Porter; sister, Hattie Slater Gullett; and grandsons, Darius Porter and DeAndre Porter.

Albert leaves to cherish his precious memory his son, Devlon Porter; three daughters, Albertha Porter of Stone Mountain, GA, Linda Jeanette Porter Harris of Atlanta, GA, and Semetria Hayes of Clarksville TN; step-son, Daniel Goodwin of Columbia, SC; step-daughter, Sherri Ann (Daryl) Richardson of McDonough, GA; fourteen grandchildren; Antionette Porter of McDonough, GA, Donald Harris and Yolanda Harris both of Atlanta, GA, Shunta Burke of Union City, GA, Jessica Farley of Ellenwood, GA, Cameka McDuffie of Savannah, GA, Perrian Porter, Danny Fair, Savion Porter, Ariel Belton, Chastin Porter, Amin Porter, and Heaven and Harmony Porter, all of Columbia, SC; three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Miles and Sally Thomas both of Columbia, SC, and Clara Porter of Gastonia, NC; two special nephews, Wilford “Curly” Washington and Richard “Dusey” Slater of Fayetteville, NC; eight great-grandchildren; Denorris Harris, Demarcus Harris, Amaria Harris, Rielle Sheats, Autumn Harris, Amena Harris, Dazannie Porter, Dezman Porter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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