Jerry Potts, 73 of Woodward peacefully passed away in his home after a long illness surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, November 8, 2018 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy.
Jerry Lee Potts, was born on June 7, 1945 in Olney, Illinois the son of Ivan Lee and Martha (Purcell) Potts. Jerry's father worked in the oilfield and his family moved often, settling in Liberal, Kansas where Jerry graduated high school.
Jerry proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Radarman in the Navy on the USS McCaffery. After his service he attended Wichita State University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. Upon graduation, he secured employment as an advertising agent with Waltershide Productions where he created unique and entertaining characters for business in Wichita, Kansas and later in Joplin, Missouri. He created Tony a six foot Tiger for Tony Tigers Travel Trailers, Ford Man for Rusty Eck Ford, and Jolly Roger for Jolly Rogers Water Park. His humor and creativity kept viewers entertained. After several years in the advertising industry, he chose journalism. He wrote for the Woodward News until making a shift in careers to truck driving where he often mused over the beauty of driving under a starry desert sky.
He enjoyed spending time boating, camping, motorcycle riding, woodworking, practicing marksmanship, and telling jokes with his family. Many summer nights were spent in the back yard with his family, laughing and listening to music. His family will miss him deeply.
Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Sharon Potts of the home; daughter, Tommi Grace; son, Ivan Potts; and wife Nichole; granddaughters, Nikki and Jade Potts; grandson, Matthew Potts; great-granddaughter; Melonie Anderson; great-grandson Feathered Joe; other family and friends.
He was preceded in death with his father, Ivan Lee Potts.