Joe T. Potts Jr.

1922 - 2001

Joe T. Potts Jr., 79, an aircraft mechanic, passed away Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at a Fort Worth hospital.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Monday at Asbury United Methodist Church. Graveside Service: 2 p.m. in Paradise Cemetery, Paradise, Texas. Visitation: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.

Memorials: May be made to The Green Oaks School for special needs children, 5819A W. Pleasant Ridge Road, Arlington, Texas 76016.

Joe was born July 30, 1922, in Paradise to Joe T. and Anna Lola Potts. He grew up in Paradise and was a member of the Christian Church and graduated from Paradise High School in 1942. Joe left Paradise and joined the Navy in 1942. He served on the USS Idaho throughout World War II in the Pacific War and was awarded two Silver Crosses and the Bronze Star while fighting in 11 major battles of the Pacific. He watched from the USS Idaho in Tokyo Bay as Japan surrendered. After the war he returned to Texas and married Dorthey May Tye in 1946, and they made their home in Fort Worth. He joined Asbury United Methodist Church and was an active member for over 50 years. He started to work at General Dynamics as an aircraft mechanic and traveled with and maintained the F-16 fighter plane in the Paris Air Show. He was also chosen to travel to Holland to help train the Dutch Air Force in maintenance of their F-16 fighter planes. He retired in 1985 after 40 years of service. Joe's first love was his family and church, but his second was carpentry. He used his carpentry to help others and support his family, creating many beautiful pieces of work that he will be remembered for. Joe's life was about service to his country, family and church, and he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Reeves, and brother, Jim Tom Potts.

Survivors: Wife of 55 years, Dorthey May Potts; daughter, Marilyn Alene Martin of Houston and husband, Dr. Jack Martin and their children, Megan Martin and Erin Martin; daughter, Marsha Delaine Ames of Bedford and her sons, Matthew Snelus and Trey Ames; son, Joseph Tatman Potts, III of Kennedale and wife, Linda Potts, and their son, Ryan Potts; brothers, Sam Potts of Bridgeport, Paul Potts, Bob Potts, Bill Potts, all of Paradise; and sisters, Naomi Caruthers of Paradise and Mary Leone of Fort Worth.