POTTER

William Potter, age 92, of Dunedin, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 31st, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Janice; daughter, Kelly Love (David Blythe); son, William; sisters Sharon Miles and Gerada Francis (James); and a large extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Euzefa and Byron Potter; brothers Joseph and David; and sisters Kitty Brenk (Dennis) and Susie Miesel. Following graduation from Lowell High School in Michigan, Bill proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, spending two years at O’Hara Air Base before transferring to Japan.

After completing his service, he joined the Milwaukee Braves Minor League Baseball organization. He later graduated from Michigan State University and became a Community School Director in Flint, Michigan, where he met his wife, Janice. Together, they moved to Iron Mountain, Michigan, to help bring the philosophy of Community Education to the Upper Peninsula. With support from the Mott Foundation and the Iron Mountain Kingsford Women’s Club, they helped keep schools open in the evenings and summers for community enrichment programs. Bill retired in 1989 and became a snowbird, enjoying winters in Dunedin and summers in Iron Mountain. A true outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, golfing, picking blueberries, and playing baseball in the U.P. He was a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to 34 nieces and nephews.

His grandchildren include Tyler (Jeff), Carli, Jessica, Sam (Stephanie), Jun Jun (Quinn), Eden, Kai, Arianna, Wyatt, Mason, and Maya. He was affectionately known as “Super Grandpa” by his six great-grandchildren, whom he adored deeply. Bill was also an avid sportsman, card player, and loyal friend - treasuring every relationship and treating friends as family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Bill.