Many will remember Don Porter as a pioneer who over the years helped change the face and economy of Pasco County.

Porter passed away on Tuesday after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. He was 73.

Porter helped bring Wiregrass Mall, a state-of-the-art hospital, and Pasco Hernando State College Porter campus to the county. Several home developments also sit on his family’s Wiregrass Ranch.

"A lot of the things that you can see meant a lot to him," said son JD Porter. "I think he found piece in creating something that's a legacy that will live after we are all long gone."

Porter was a family man, who served overseas and was once a professional ball player for two years. He was a man with a caring heart that was just as big as his accomplishments.

"There wasn't anybody that was as eclectic, but also as caring, as my dad was," said JD Porter.

A memorial service for Don Porter has been scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 12 in the conference center of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter campus.