Obituary of William Potts

William Francis ?Bill? Potts Mr. Potts, 88, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 26, 2011. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA and spent his childhood in Fairmont, WV. He attended Mercersburg Academy and Princeton University from which he graduated with honors with a BS in chemical engineering, class of 1945. After his freshman year at Princeton he enlisted in the Air Force where he served with the 391st Bomb Group in the 9th Air Force in England and France as an A-26 attack bomber pilot. His group's primary function was to provide close tactical support for the Third Army of General Patton. He also led bombing missions over Germany. He spent his entire career with the E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company serving in a variety of sales and management positions and lived in four different states. After retiring from du Pont he moved to Georgetown, SC where he enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing, and he served as Commodore of the Belle Isle Yacht Club for a number of years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence Rush Potts, whom he met while stationed in South Carolina during World War II. He is also survived by three children: Susan Jennifer Potts (Michael Mesler), William F. "Rich" Potts Jr. (Woods), and Helen Sowell (Perry). He was predeceased by a daughter, Emily Jane Potts. He was a beloved grandfather known as "Poppop" to his eight grandchildren: Meghan and Matthew Mesler, Will, Garland and Sam Potts, and Alyson, Spencer and Pete Sowell. A private family memorial service was held at First Presbyterian Church where he was an affiliate member. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his devoted caregivers, Minerva, Edit and Angela, and his Hospice team. Memorial contributions can be made to: The television ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.