Vernon Earl Potter Sr.

Vernon Earl Potter, Sr., was born on June 23, 1930, in New Bern, North Carolina, one of the six sons of Mark and Hannah Potter. He was predeceased by Robert, Raymond, Hildred, Wesley, and Mark. Four of his brothers were ordained ministers.

Vernon met Margaret Whitehurst at a tent meeting. He heard her singing at the service and asked a friend to introduce them. They were married December 26, 1948, and were married for 76 years. The Potters began their life together in New Bern, North Carolina. He was a volunteer fireman with the New Bern Fire Department, serving in the Button Company. In that capacity, he helped begin the New Bern Fireman's Museum.

Vernon joined the North Carolina National Guard part-time in February 1949. He served in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. He became full-time with the National Guard in 1956. The Guard eventually transferred him to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and later to Raleigh. In Raleigh, he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4 and supervised the motor pool for many years. He served in the National Guard until his retirement on June 23, 1990.

Vernon is survived by four children: Vernon Jr. (Vicki), Margaret Faye (Ronnie), Patricia (Joel-deceased), and Charles (Jane) with numerous grand and great grandchildren.

Vernon often assisted motorists on the Raleigh Beltline who had automobile problems. The Tarheel Guardsman magazine featured Vernon in an article called the "Good Samaritan of Reedy Creek Road." He would assist with changing tires and making minor auto repairs to help travelers; even giving them rides home if the cars were not repaired at the site. These travelers would often write letters of thanks to the NCNG Adjutant General to commend Mr. Potter for his assistance.

Vernon was Santa to children in many organizations throughout the years, including the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. He and Margaret sang Christmas carols for the children, and then Santa (Vernon) distributed the gifts.

After his retirement from the Guard, Vernon did small engine repair, sold scrap metal, and worked part-time at David Allen Company as a mechanic. He enjoyed many years of retirement. He and Margaret spent time eating with friends and listening to music at Ron's Barn and the Lighthouse. They ate breakfast and lunch almost every day at Angie's Restaurant in Garner.

The Potters were the first people to arrive at church each Sunday and Wednesday at The Capital Church. They loved to sing in the choir and spend time with the Nifty Fifties senior group. The church was very important to them; and they shared their love of Jesus with people they met every day. Both Vernon and Margaret lived their lives as an example to their children and grandchildren. They read the Bible and prayed together each day. They shared financially with those they felt were in need of help. They paid their tithe to the church and taught their children to tithe 10 percent to the Lord. Their deepest desire was to see their children, grandchildren, and everyone they met accept Jesus as Savior and live for him.

In the last year of his life, Vernon resided at Oak Hill Assisted Living and was under the care of Gentiva, a division of Hospice. The family cannot say enough good things about both Oak Hill and Gentiva. They made Vernon, our Dad, a priority and have been a true blessing.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at The Capital Church in Garner. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment will occur at Raleigh Memorial Park at a later time.

Memorial contributions in Vernon's memory may be made to The Capital Church Food Bank.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com