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He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Buford Portrey, in May 1940, his brother, Ronald Dee Bass, in May, 1952, his mother, Winiford Grace Portrey Satchwell, September 1970, sister Geneva Schomer, September 2016, his first wife Gwendolyn Cawthorn Portrey, in December 1988, and his second wife, Esther May Janke Portrey in June 2017.
He joined the Army on 7 August 1943 and was honorably discharged 12 February 1946. He fought in New Guinea and Luzon and for this enlistment term, he received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Philippines Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. He served as a radio operator for the 530th Military Police Battalion.
On 14 August 1948 he married Gwendolyn Cawthon in Bonners Ferry. Their marriage lasted 40 years until Gwen died in 1988. They had two children: Gregory C. Portrey and Pamela L. Portrey Miller. On 30 October 1992, he married Esther May Janke, who shared 15 years with Robert before passing on 24 June 2017.
Robert graduated from Kinman Business College with a bachelor's degree in accounting and he was a member of the Elks for over 70 years. He was elected Exalted Ruler in 1994. He owned and ran H&R Block Tax offices in Elko, Nevada, and Sandpoint. He was honored By H&R Block for 25 years of service.
He is survived by son Gregory Charles Portrey, Usk, Washington, daughter-in-law Pamela A. Portrey , Newport, Washington, granddaughter Tiffany R. Portrey, Spokane, great grandson Robert Charles Portrey II, Usk, great granddaughters Gabreilla Charlene and Alexandra Portrey, daughter Pamela A. Portrey Miller and grandson Nick Portrey, Seattle, daughter-in-law Kala Portrey, Seattle, great granddaughters Peyton, Brook and Briella Portrey, granddaughter Michelle Portrey Thomas, grandson Merland Miller, granddaughter Gwen Miller, step children Jim and Nancy Janke, Usk, Louise and Dave McWhirk, Newman Lake, Washington, Dan and Terry Janke, Kalispell, Montana, Joey Janke Wisconsin, Spokane Valley, Teresa and Bill Zamora, Newport, and Linda and Mike Graham, Spokane.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any veterans organization in honor of Robert Charles Portrey.