Walter Rankin Potts

Walter Rankin Potts (age 89) of Williamsburg, Virginia, formerly of Vienna, Virginia, died at home on October 14, 2020. He was born March 3, 1931 in Greenville, South Carolina where he was raised, by his parents, Walter Clyde and Winifred Rankin Potts on their family farm. After graduating from Greenville High School at age 16, he attended The Citadel where he earned a degree in political science. Upon graduating, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. The army later took him to Alaska where he met his future wife, Joan Hamman. He then relocated to Washington D.C. where he began his career as a CIA officer. Walter and Joan made their home in Vienna, Virginia, where they lived for over fifty years, and where they raised their daughters, Lisa and Laura. A kind and gentle man, he enjoyed quiet pursuits. He was a keen reader and a lifelong stamp collector. He was an active member, for over fifty years, of the Vienna Presbyterian Church, where he served on many committees and worked on many projects. He had a quick smile, a hearty laugh, and a good sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Walter is survived by his daughters Lisa Jobe (Jared) of Williamsburg, and Laura (Brian Tollie) of Springfield, Virginia; his grandchildren, Charlotte Jobe, Jeffrey Jobe and Jocelyn Sams (Matt) and four great grandchildren (Jason, Chase, Taylor and Sophia). He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Clyde and Winifred Rankin Potts and by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Joan. The committal service and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Quantico National Cemetery, in Quantico, Virginia. Memorial donations may be made to the Citadel Class of 1951 Scholarship Fund (foundation.citadel.edu) The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409. Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.