Phillip S. Potts (Phil), 74, of Wilmington NC peacefully passed away in his home on January 20, 2021. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia on August 30, 1946, to Catherine S. and Andrew P. Potts, both deceased.
Phil graduated from North Davidson High School and proudly played football for the Knights. He attended college at UNC-CH and graduated with a double major in accounting and business from UNCC in Charlotte, NC. He served our country in the US Navy as a veteran from 1966 to 1972. He then began his culinary career, training as a chef in Charlotte and in Charleston, SC. In 1989, Phil brought his outstanding skills to Wilmington, NC, and along with a partner, opened the Caribbean Cafe. Later, Phil obtained his RHU license in health insurance. His insurance company, Advantage Insurance Concepts, provided the same loving care to his clients that he previously gave to his specially prepared dishes.
A man of many passions, Phil discovered the stars in the dark skies of his hometown Welcome, NC. His interest spiraled to amateur astronomy status with a high-resolution telescope and years of subscriptions to Sky and Telescope. Counting the hours until meteor showers were slated to brighten the sky, he also timed the space station’s flyovers in Wilmington, NC. The astronomical highlight of his life was traveling on August 21, 2017, to Georgetown, SC with some of his family and grandchildren to observe an incredible view of the Total Solar Eclipse.
His love of cooking began with a Julia Child cookbook he bought at a yard sale for a dollar. His family adored and devoured his preparations. Frequently, a stepchild or a grandchild would call him to ask for some expert cooking advice. A member of his cooking club in Charlotte, NC once accused Phil of buying his eclairs from a bakery because they were too delicious for him to have baked. She could not have imagined how far his talent would take him, and how alive with flavor and presentation his dishes would become. Always willing to serve, Phil cooked fish at the American Legion Post 10’s Friday night fish fry for many years.
Phil was also a complete sports enthusiast. In 2007 while golfing at Castle Rock Golf Club, he made a hole-in-one on #3. His younger years would find a 90-mile bike ride a common occurrence. He believed in daily stretching and practiced deep breathing; his posture was awe-inspiring. He loved all things Chile pepper, Barbecue, World War II studies, Star Trek, Sci Fi, mystery novels, current events, and movies. Always quick to laugh, his dry wit was unmatchable.
As loving “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, he attended all the band and school concerts, piano recitals, dance recitals, and sporting events. He fixed all the grandchildren’s favorite dishes. They have lots of loving memories of cooking together, playing games, and enjoying the outdoors. A truly dedicated Carolina Tar Heel fan, Phil burst with pride the day he saw his eldest grandson take the field as a Marching Tar Heel trombonist.
Phil is survived by his wife of 25 years, Nancy Potts of the home; stepchildren: Julia Lammert (Brent), Lesle Faye Musselwhite, Sheri Chisholm (Brock), and Whit Musselwhite; four step-grandchildren; brother A. David Potts, sister Andrea (Andi) P. Davis (Ray), two nieces, two nephews, three grandnephews, and a grandniece.
A Memorial service, which was delayed by Covid, will be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC with Pastor Billy Batten officiating. The family will receive friends 10AM-11AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com.
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