Johnny Lee Potts

Johnny L. Potts passed away peacefully at home in Amarillo on May 22, 2021 at the age of 86. Johnny was born in Ponca City, OK on April 26, 1935 to Ray and Thelma Potts. He had a normal childhood, yet his sister Helen said he never got into any trouble. Johnny loved to tinker on things, fix them or just see how they worked. He loved all musical instruments and played with the Ponca City High School Band at President Eisenhower’s Inauguration. In his last few years he loved to watch sports of all kinds and old westerns.

Johnny served in the military for three years overseas in the U.S. Army from 1954 through 1957 as a Radio Communications Technician until his Honorable release into the Reserves. On June 25, 1956 Johnny married the love and best friend of his life, Phyllis Sue Fesler. They had been married for sixty years when she sadly passed from his side in January of 2016.

After Johnny’s military service he worked for BNSF Railway and after his retirement from BNSF he worked for Circle N Appliance Repair. Johnny was a Christian, soft spoken and kind. He was a humble man and always thoughtful of others. His son Ray simply remembers his father saying that if you started something he wanted you to finish it. Ray also says that he couldn’t have asked for better parents.

Johnny is survived by his son Ray, and wife Carol of Amarillo, a sister Helen Lucille Potts of Newkirk, OK, a granddaughter Whitnie Potts and her significant other, Eric Lucero of Amarillo, two step-granddaughters Schonna and Macey, five great-grandchildren, Madison, Maddox, Serena, Jax and Marcila, and two step-great-grandchildren Karsten and Emerson. Johnny also leaves behind other loved family members, three nieces, a nephew, five grand-nieces and five grand-nephews.

Johnny’s grandson Austin Reid Potts preceded him in death in 2008. He was also preceded in death by his sister Lela Freeman in 2019 and his sister Ramona LeBaron in 2005.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Faith City Mission, Amarillo, TX.

There are no pending services.