Letter: A businessman, afflicted by a tornado, still inspires

The sunset included ominous breezes and repeated rumbling thunder on a November day in 1957. After dark, a small businessman returned to his Edgecombe County home on a unique 18 acres surrounded by traditional farms on all sides.

In the darkness, he saw outlines of the destruction done by a horrid tornado less than an hour before. His ranch home, auto and part of his landscape nursery were destroyed. Three traumas were blown into his existence in one disastrous minute.

He walked to a simple, intact farmhouse, 100 yards away, where he learned that his wife's injuries were severe enough that an ambulance whisked her to Park View Hospital. A tree that fell through the roof, into the living room, and on top of her legs equaled the damage done by flying glass that produced serious cuts on her forehead. She remained hospitalized for countless weeks under the diligent care of Dr. Boice and a competent staff.

The man, after his World War II service, created the eponymous Knox Porter Nursery. His brilliant landscape designs adorned countless sites. He was an artist; plants and trees were his paints. Porter was the original landscaper for N.C. Wesleyan University. The massive trees still gracefully line the entrance.

Recently, several businesses were decimated by another tornado. Owners should take note of the example of an overcomer. In 1957, his financial resources were exhausted. This determined man was undeterred. A man with alcohol use disorder, he had reached sobriety. While suffering in the magnitude of his crisis, he never returned to his addiction. A home, sheds and greenhouses were constructed. Porter became president of the N.C. Nursery Association. A decade later, he bought 50 acres where Porter Road now dead ends into U.S. 301.

This was accomplished for he never lost sight of his dream. Maintaining his good name was immensely important to him; this was more important than profit. Shrubbery of the highest quality was sold; deals were always honest.

Merchants afflicted by a devastating storm may feel like their lives are broken pottery. Distress, sorrow and grief have been part of their trauma. Immense challenges will be present. May the example of another area businessman free them from such negative emotions.

Formerly, a man who beautified this town also taught us of the beauty of overcoming obstacles. May we see this attitude and may that drive be repeated several times on Wesleyan Boulevard.

Knox Porter

Braselton, Ga.