James Sedric Potter Sr.

Born on July 8, 1925, in Kelly, N.C., to James Melvin Potter and Gertrude Squires Potter, Mr. Potter grew up in the Greenfield Lake community of Wilmington, N.C., and graduated from New Hanover High School. In December 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Petty Officer, 1st Class, Baker, spending the majority of his military service in the Pacific Theater.

Following his honorable discharge in May 1946, Mr. Potter returned home to Wilmington, where he married Josephine Hammonds on Aug. 25, 1946. Together, they welcomed four children and settled in Gulf, N.C. In 1983, he and his wife returned to Wilmington, where he lived until his death.

Mr. Potter worked as a timber inspector for A.W. Williams Inspection Co. for 51 years and was deeply involved in each community in which he lived. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America as a youth, later served as Scout Master of Troup 87 in Goldston and was named Scout Master of the Year in 1970. Additionally, Mr. Potter served as a deacon of Bethany Baptist Church in Gulf, was a member of the Goldston Lions Club and was a member of American Legion Post 10 for 27 years.

Preceded in death by his loving wife and parents, Mr. Potter is survived by his brother, Edward Potter, of Goldsboro, N.C., and his wife, Sue; sister, Nelva Potter Hammonds of Wilmington; daughter Sherry Anne Spencer and her husband, Carroll, of Wilmington; daughter Yvonne Potter Caryle of Wilmington; son James Potter, Jr., of Oriental, N.C., and his wife, Debbie; son Alan Potter of Carthage, N.C., and his wife, Sonya; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Masonboro Baptist Church in Wilmington. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center

1406 Physicians Drive Wilmington, N.C. 28401.