Thomas H. "Tom" Potter

Thomas H. “Tom” Potter, Sr., 92, of Morehead City, passed away Monday, February 15, 2021, at his home.

A private funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2021, officiated by Dr. Nate Leonard. A private interment will follow at Carteret Memorial Gardens. Out of respect and concern for public health and safety, the family invites friends to view the webcasting of the service at Munden Funeral Home’s website. (See link below for the Service Bulletin including the Order of Service.)

Tom was born on October 3, 1928, to Thomas and Alma Potter in Winston-Salem, NC., and later moved to Beaufort, NC. Tom graduated from Edwards Military Academy and then attended North Carolina State    University.

Tom loved his family and was happiest when he was with them, especially the grandchildren.  Tom enjoyed life and laughed often.  A friendly, affectionate, and energetic man, Tom enjoyed being with others, sharing ideas, and being with friends or business associates he met along the way.  He also enjoyed a round of golf whenever he had an opportunity...and he made sure there were opportunities.

Most people will remember Tom as owner and operator of Potter Oil Company and as an active participant in state and community activities.  He served as president of the N.C. Petroleum Marketers and the National Petroleum Marketers Association, which gave him the opportunity to travel to all fifty states.  Closer to home, he served as Mayor of Beaufort and Chairman of the Carteret County School Board.  Tom was a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge and served as president of the Beaufort Hogs Golf Group and the Morehead City Country Club as well as the Beaufort Rotary Club and the Beaufort Jaycees.

Tom loved the Lord and was an active member of Open Door Baptist Church until health issues prevented him from attending.  A previous member of First Baptist Church, in Beaufort and Morehead City, Tom served as a Deacon, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, and as Men’s Brotherhood Director.

In the morning hours of February 15, Tom’s journey here on earth came to an end and he went home.  He leaves behind a family who loves him and friends who will miss him. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Potter Stanley and husband Wayne of Morehead City, NC; son, Thomas H. Potter, Jr. and wife Jan of White Lake, NC; wife, Dorris Gillespie Potter of the home; grandchildren, Kimberly Davis and   husband Scott of Semora, NC, James “Chip” Langdale and wife Yasi of Cary, NC, Emily Potter Garner of Chapel Hill, NC, and Thomas H. Potter, III of Conway, SC; great-grandchildren, Robert, Layla, Zoe, and Meredith.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 58 years, Elizabeth “Lib” Davis Potter; and his parents, Thomas and Alma Potter.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or Continuum Home Care and Hospice of Craven County, 1505 S. Glenburnie Rd, Suite M, New Bern, NC 28562.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.