Mr. Ottis Lee Potter Sr., age 83, a resident of 3959 U.S. Highway 17 South, Chocowinity, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, conducted by Kevin Woolard and Youth Pastor Darren Walker. Burial will follow with military rites at Oakdale Cemetery.

The following will serve as pallbearers: Charles Elks, Allen Lewis, Stoney Woolard, Aubrey Gibbs, Eddie Gurganus and Richard Elks.

Mr. Potter was born in Beaufort County on Dec. 22, 1928. He was the son of the late Guy Edward Potter and Dissie Ange Potter. Mr. Potter was a 1948 Graduate of Chocowinity High School. After high school, he worked as a Cartographic Survey Aide for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Mr. Potter joined the Army in 1951. He was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga., where he attended Jump School. Mr. Potter became a paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. After his military obligations, he joined the N.C. Department of Transportation in 1953. Mr. Potter retired from the N.C. D.O.T. with 44 years of service. He was the District Engineer for Beaufort and Pitt counties at the time of his retirement.

Mr. Potter was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Washington.

On Dec. 26, 1953, Mr. Potter married the former Frances Elks, who survives.

Surviving with his wife are his son, Ottis “Lee” Potter Jr. and wife Robin of Chocowinity; and a very special grandson, Anderson Lee Potter of Chocowinity, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by a special niece, Kathy Clark of Chocowinity, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Potter was preceded in death by a brother, Guy Edward Potter Jr.

Mr. Potter was a devoted and faithful husband of 58 years. He was a devout fisherman who spent many days on the water fishing with his son and grandson.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. tonight at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 901 N. Bonner St., Washington, NC 27889.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Potter family.