My friend Bill Potter on Wednesday night was absent from the body and as believers of Christ we believe that he was present with the Father, as we have found in 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Roberta and Bill are the best folks. One reason I have served three years as President of Center City Conservatives Republican Club is because of them. Back in the early 1990’s they met Pastor Sharon Welch through the March with Jesus movement. Through that friendship, a vision for Center City Republican Club was birthed and it began and still exist today.
Chief Potter was one of several firefighters that stood up to the political punishment of former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe and the court ruled that Ashe violated the fire fighters civil rights
Here is the Obituary for Chief Potter,the obituary is also below the pictures I have posted of Bill.
Here Bill shares a picture and memory with Former United States Congressman at a Center City Conservatives Republican Club.
William G. “Bill” Potter
At this most special time of year, the family of Chief William G. “Bill” Potter, is rejoicing that he will be celebrating Christmas in Heaven. The primary focus of his life was his sweetheart of 67 plus years, Roberta Lones Potter, and his children and grandchildren.
From the time his was a little boy, living two doors down from Fire Station #7, he wanted to be a fireman. He not only became a fireman, but continued to move through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Firefighting for the Knoxville Fire Department before retiring after 47 years of service.
Together, Bill and Roberta grew their family to include children, Julie, Abbie, Boog and Betsy, and grandchildren, Mike, Brian, Heather, Rebekah, Cody, Annie, Casey, Logan, Addison and Corson. As a young man, Bill served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and later in life, became a member of the patriotic fraternal Junior Order organization rising to serve as Tennessee State and National Councilor. Other activities that brought him joy were singing in choirs and a gospel quartet, serving as an ordained deacon as well as golfing, fishing and camping with family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Dosha Potter, his brothers Homer and Arnold, and his daughter Betsy. He is survived by his wife Roberta, brothers David and Frank, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. A graveside service will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 this Sunday afternoon, December 20, and the family requests attendees please adhere to social distance guidelines. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to meet at Bill’s home church, Marble City Baptist, located at 2740 Sutherland Avenue, in the parking area at 2:30 for a procession to the cemetery led by the Fire Engine from Station #7. Friends may also call at their convenience from 1:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com
