'Mr. Porter,' longtime Gibbs Hall staffer, dies

Ackron Parris Porter, known simply as “Mr. Porter” during his nearly 35 years with the Gibbs Hall cafeteria staff, died Sunday at his Knoxville home. He was 69.

Porter was a beloved member of the Tennessee athletic department who retired in 2003 after 36 years on campus. He spent the last 34 of those years in Gibbs Hall, which for decades served as UT’s athletic dormitory and dining hall.

A native of Anniston, Ala., Porter was promoted in 1980 to a supervisor’s role by former Tennessee athletic director Bob Woodruff. Porter was awarded an honorary UT letter after his retirement and maintained his presence around the program both at games and in the hallways.

Porter also was known by many as the “Sock Man” because of his successful side business peddling socks and neckties.

Funeral services are scheduled 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandridge Ave. Cemetery arrangements are pending.