Portiforo R. West

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he carried himself with a strong sense of identity

Portiforo R. West, of Camilla, Georgia, passed away on August 27, 2026, at his residence in Camilla. He was 62. Born on March 2, 1964, in Camilla, he carried himself with a strong sense of identity and made sure people pronounced his name right—a small but memorable reflection of the pride, presence, and self-assurance that marked his life.

“Spooky”, as he was affectionately called, was a graduate of the Mitchell-Baker High School Class of 1982 in Camilla, Portiforo went on to serve his country in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, he worked in administration, bringing the same dependable spirit and steady work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life. He was also a welder by trade, a man skilled with his hands and willing to take on whatever work needed doing. He was good at gardening and other jobs as well, the kind of person whose talents seemed to reach in many directions. He confessed CHRIST at an early age and joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia.

Portiforo was, in every sense, a hard-working man. He was a jack of all trades, someone people could count on not only for labor and know-how, but also for honesty. He would tell you when you were right, and he would tell you when you were wrong, always with the straightforwardness that made him unmistakably himself. He had a big sense of humor and a lively spirit that drew people in. He was the life of the party, a man whose presence could lift a room and whose laughter and personality left an impression that stayed with people.

He also found joy in the simple and generous acts that bring people together. He loved spending time with family, and many will remember him as a grill master who could gather everyone around with good food and easy fellowship. He cooked a good breakfast, too, offering the kind of care that is often expressed best through a meal shared at the table. These everyday gifts—his humor, his honesty, his skill, and his love for family—formed the lasting shape of his life. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda West and Deirdra Brown; and two brothers, Gregory Jenkins and Brian Jernigan.

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the pride, presence, and self-assurance that marked his life

He leaves behind a loving wife, Teresa Stewart; son, Portiforo West; mother, Claretha Grissom; sisters, Surbrenna (Melvin) Chester, Tracey Gibson, Freda Grissom, Olivia (Vernon) Owens; brothers, Todd (Regina) West, Garland (Natasha) Grissom, Kenley (Felicity) Grissom, Kenneth (Patrice) Gibson, Anthony (Daniela) Jones, D. K. (Claretha) Grissom, Jr; two special sisters, Kris Jennings, Shirley Thomas; two special brothers, Rick Dennison and Jason Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Portiforo R. West will be remembered with affection for his service, his hard work, his many abilities, and the unmistakable energy he brought wherever he went. His memory lives on in the stories, smiles, and meals that will continue to call him to mind.