C.I. Porter, the longtime owner of Porter’s Truck Stop and Family Restaurant in Jemison, died Friday at 83.

Porter, along with his wife, Louise, and family owned and operated the business at I-65 Exit 219 for about 25 years.

Before the Interstate was built, the business was located on Highway 31 and known as simply “C.I. Porter’s.”

The family was in business for a total of 40 years.

“He just had a dream of building a family-owned truck stop, and God allowed him to live out that dream,” daughter Sheree Tate said. “It was a blessing to be able to work with family all those years.”

At first, C.I. Porter’s consisted of a grocery store, garage and wrecker service. The restaurant was added when the business relocated to the Interstate. There, it continued to be a fixture of the Jemison community.

Both of Porter’s daughters, Sheree and Donna; along with his grandson, Jeffery, worked at the business. Mr. Porter retired at age 76 and the property was eventually sold.

Tate said he would always help a stranded motorist in need, assist with law enforcement officers who were stuck in the median, or feed someone who was hungry.

He also volunteered with Union Grove Fire Department and was a member of Burning Bush Church.

“He did so much for the people of Chilton County it was unreal,” she said. “He was constantly giving his time and services to help people in need. He loved the people of Chilton County, and they loved him.”

Monday, wreckers from across the county led the funeral procession in honor of Mr. Porter.

These included Wheeler’s Wrecker Service, Pete’s Wrecker Service, Auto Collision, Littleton’s Tractor, 82 Auto Sales, Stokes Automotive, and TNT Towing. Jemison Police Department and Union Grove Fire Department were also involved.

“He will be missed,” Tate said.