Charles Edward Potter

Charles Edward Potter, a dedicated family man, Navy veteran, and Scout leader, passed away on August 17, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

In his youth, family and friends in Kansas, his home state, called him “Chuck”. After joining the Navy, this changed to “Charlie”. Whatever he was called, his greatest titles were “Husband”, “Dad”, "Papa" and “Gunner”.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Imogene Potter, his sister Barbara, and his brothers Jerry, Richard, and Donald. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn Paulette Potter, whom he married on November 25, 1970, in North Dakota. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and service.

A cornerstone of Charles’ life was Education; through reading every available Encyclopedia and National Geographic; to the Navy schools, learning and then teaching new sailors the ropes of missile fire control. He earned an Associate's Degree from St. Leo’s College, setting an example of lifelong learning for his children.

Charlie served his country with distinction, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 after 22 years in the U.S. Navy. His service took him around the world; including Vietnam; Monterey Language School, studying Italian and then living in Italy. Potter also did a Mediterranean cruise and two U.S.A. Diplomatic Cruises visiting South American ally countries; before settling in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After his military retirement, Charles continued his career with Vitro and other defense contractors, contributing his expertise to the US Navy and her allies. In 1989, Potter was transferred to his company's main office in Maryland, where he and his wife, Marilyn, purchased the home of their dreams and settled in Mt. Airy. 

A passionate supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Charlie dedicated countless hours, not only mentoring young men, instilling in them the values of leadership, integrity, and service; but also in training new adult leaders. His commitment to Scouting was recognized with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a council may bestow for exceptional service.

Charles’ legacy lives on in his children, Lei Ann Galvez (spouse Mark Galvez) and their children Kayla, Angela, and Charlene (his namesake), and Ian Charles Potter (spouse Kari) and their children Olivia, Kaitlin, Griffin, and Noah. He is survived by his brothers Robert and Bill.

Charlie was a man of few words, but those he spoke were filled with wisdom and love. His family fondly remembers his gentle authority, encapsulated in his simple phrase, "Enough", which signaled the end of any debate.

In honor of his military service, a memorial Mass will be held on Veteran’s Day weekend. Specific details will be available when finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ‘Tunnel to Towers’ Foundation, continuing Charles’ legacy of service to others.