EARL WILLIAM POTTER, age 91, Floral City, died November 7, 2014 under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. A native Floridian, Earl was born in Tampa on December 31, 1922 to the late Eugene and Ruby (Orchard) Potter. He served our country in the United States Army during WWII, was assigned to the 610th Engineer Light Equipment Company, serving in France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia where he used his extensive blacksmithing and small engine repair skills to keep air compressors and mechanics tools sharpened, tempered and his knowledge of anvils, blowers, power and steam hammers and forging machines was extremely valuable in support of the troops. He was an excellent marksman. Throughout his lifetime, he continued to return to the annual reunions for the \\\”610th\\\”. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked and retired from Schlitz Brewing Company in Tampa as a supervisor. He then owned and operated a landscaping contractor business \\\”Potter and Son\\\” with his son Michael. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Earl was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Bushnell and later became a Deacon at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman, teaching all of his children to waterski even through the dreaded \\\”Gator Hole\\\” and enjoyed gardening. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 13 years, Gladys Potter; his son Michael T. Potter and wife Jeanne, both of Floral City; daughters Joy Lynn Gotwalt and husband David, Gainesville and Lisa Marlene Potter and husband Michael Dimitry, Springhill; 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Gladys Thomas Potter after 56 years of marriage. A celebration and tribute to Earl\\\’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Floral City. Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home. The family requests all forms of sympathy expressions take place in donations to either First Baptist Church of Floral City Building Fund or Hospice of Citrus County, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464.
Add Comment