Lieutenant Colonel Ralph T. Potter

1928-2022

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ralph T. Potter, age 94, peacefully passed away in hospice surrounded by his loving family on Friday, July 15, 2022, in Panama City, Fla. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Southerland Family Funeral Home, 100 East 19th Street, Panama City, FL. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Full military honors and internment at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. will be scheduled for a later date.

Tex, as he was known to friends, was born in Galveston, TX on Feb. 5, 1928, to parents, Ralph and Sara (Pederson/Peterson) Potter. Tex was formerly a resident of the town of Donald in Taylor County. Tex enlisted in the Merchant Marines at age 17, joining the US Army upon his 18th birthday. He served in Europe during WWII as part of the post-war occupying troops and Korea. He would go on to serve thirty years active duty and as a part-time and fulltime reservist for the Army. Following his military career, Tex worked for the Department of Defense at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA and at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Fla. Tex was preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Daela (Dee) Potter. They spent 60 years traveling together throughout the US, visiting 49 states. Tex was most happy on the road with his fifth wheel camper in tow, excited to discover what was waiting around the next bend down the highway. He loved fishing, beer, milk chocolate and peanut butter cookies.

He is survived by his three children, Diana Pritchard of Panama City. Fla., David (Marie) Potter of Helena, Mont., and Margaret (John) Webster of Lynn Haven, Fla; and his grandchildren, Debra (Jeff) King, Dixie Clough, Zoe Potter and Daela Webster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tex’s name to the Bay County Chapter - MOAA Scholarship Fund, your local hospice or your charity of choice.

Paid Obituary 124172