Leon Jay Poteet

Leon Jay Poteet passed away on July 15 at the age of 84 years after a lengthy but valiant battle with cancer. Leon was born on April 27, 1941 to Mary Denton and Leon Gray Poteet. He was born in Morganton, North Carolina where he grew up.

Leon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from NC State University in 1963, receiving a commission through ROTC at the same time, and subsequently joining the Air Force. In November 1964, he completed Navigator Training at James Connally AFB in Texas and in 1965, Bomb/Nav Upgrade Training at Mather AFB, California. After completing his 5-year ROTC military commitment, Leon opted to remain in the Air Force which began his military career of over 20 years. In 1969, he was stationed at Nakhom Phanom, Thailand with the Air Commando 609th Special Operations Squadron (call sign Nimrod).

Leon was trained and flew as a navigator on the A-26 aircraft and flew 147 missions during his tour in Vietnam. Leon continued his career in the Air Force, as Test Engineer and Section Manager for various Electronic Warfare (EW) programs, both US and foreign. He flew test missions in both the F-111 and German F-4, as well as logging flying time in T-33s and C54s. His next assignment was in England to the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) as Flight Commander, Assistant Operations Officer, and Wing Flying Exercise Officer, where he conducted and managed about a third of the 20th Tactical Flying Wing (TFW) in support of NATO flying exercises. He completed his military career at Wright Patterson Aeronautical Systems Division as Chief of the Low Observables Branch and Deputy Chief of the F-16 SPO EW Division. Leon was very proud of his country and his service in the military. His education and learning continued during his tours of duty and assignments in the Air Force and included a Master of Science in Engineering Administration from SMU in 1972. He retired from active duty in 1984 with the rank of Major. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals, eight Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, two Combat Readiness Medals, National Defense Service Medal, five Vietnam Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and many other awards and citations.

After retirement from the Air Force, Leon worked at Tracor Aerospace (which later became Marconi and then BAE Systems) in Austin where he was involved in proposal development and program negotiations. He served as Program Engineer/Manager for various programs which involved interactions with other US and foreign companies. He retired from BAE Systems after 21 years as a Professional Program Manager. Leon was thrilled to have even more time to perfect his golf game, which he enjoyed thoroughly. He also found time to work in the garden and yard, read until the wee hours of the morning, and travel with the love of his life for over 39 years, his wife, Mimi.

Throughout his work career and retirement, Leon enjoyed running completing numerous Capitol 10Ks in Austin and half marathons including the Great Wall in China, Angkor Wat International in Cambodia, and Kilimanjaro. His other passion was visiting the Poteet Strawberry Festival in Poteet, Texas where he would purchase some famous Poteet strawberries, of course, and their annual souvenir T-shirt.

Traveling was what Leon and Mimi enjoyed best together and with family. They came close to visiting all seven continents in the process. Their travels took them all over the US including Texas (rafting and camping in Big Bend), Hawaii, Alaska, Boston, and Grand Canyon and abroad in Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Israel, and South America. They were very proud of their accomplishment of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. They especially looked forward to the A/B-26 Air Commando reunions in Florida each year where they reunited with fellow Vietnam veterans and their spouses.

Leon was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Bastrop. He also served on the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team assisting in disasters in Texas and Louisiana from floods, hurricanes and the Bastrop fires in 2011. Leon was also a member of the Mina Masonic Lodge No. 1456 in Bastrop.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Britt and Truett Poteet.

He is survived by his wife, Mimi Poteet, daughters Cathi Jack and husband Tom, Michele Perroux, and Melissa Brawner, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and his sister Darlene Smith.

Leon’s family wishes to thank the staff at Brodie Ranch Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Leon and his family members during his final months and days.

Leon will be sorely missed by his wife and family for his silliness and playfulness, the fun and festive holiday celebrations, his love to host and entertain family and friends, and his love of country and the military.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital (donate.lovetotherescue.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

A visitation for Leon will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. Followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 25, 2025 from 9:15 AM to 9:35 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.