Thomas Eugene Potter

THOMAS EUGENE POTTER, a retired attorney from the firm of Jackson Kelly, PLLC and community leader passed away on March 31, 2025. He was born on June 20 (West Virginia Day) in Pittsburgh, Pa., the oldest son of E. W. Potter and Dorothy Studebaker Potter who predeceased him as did his siblings, Judith Potter, Sandra Potter Jones and Harry F. Potter.
Mr. Potter is survived by his wife, Jean B. Potter and their triplets, Christopher W. Potter, D. Alexandria Potter and K. Victoria Potter. His children also include, Sharon L. Potter, Barton C. Potter and Matthew E. Potter from a former marriage. He also has several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from West Virginia University and his Juris Doctor from West Virginia University School of Law. While an undergraduate student, he was a member of Summit of Mountain and a four-year member of the varsity track team which he captained his senior year.
Potter was an active attorney after his graduation from West Virginia University College of Law until his retirement from Jackson Kelly, LLP in 1999 and was Counsel to the Firm until his passing. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate and an associate and partner in the Charleston law firm of Woodrow, Kizer and Stead until May, 1968 until he joined Jackson Kelly.
During the years of his active practice, Mr. Potter was a member and leader in the Business law Department focusing on administrative and commercial litigation, contracts, natural resources, corporate, real estate/property law, eminent domain, transportation, zoning and leases. During the last five years of his practice, he served as the Chairman of the Firm's Executive Committee.
Over the years, Mr. Potter was actively involved in the legal, political, governmental and civic affairs in West Virginia. He served eight years as an elected member of the West Virginia Legislature and as Chairman of The Republican State Executive Committee. He is the past president of the West Virginia Bar Association, a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, a Life Fellow of the West Virginia Bar Foundation and member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, as well as other professional affiliations.
Mr. Potter's community activities have involved many facets of the state and city, including chairmanships of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Renaissance Corporation, the Business and Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO), the National Institution for Chemical Studies, Capitol Market, Inc., Advantage Valley, Inc. and the YMCA. He is a former member of the West Virginia Library Commission, the Board of the University System of West Virginia, the West Virginia University Board of Governors, and the Board of the Snowshoe Institute. Mr. Potter has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia University Foundation, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, Charleston Alliance and past member and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University as well as a member and past president of the Charleston Rotary.
He served for more than 15 years as a member of the Board of Directors at the Charleston Area Medical Center, ("CAMC") and Chairman of the Audit Committee as well as a member of the Executive Committee. He was a member of the National Advisory Council of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University.
In the private sector, he was a board member at the R.H. Kyle Furniture Company and a board member of West Virginia Kids Count. He served as a member and past Chairman of the board of the Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research and Innovation Center, Inc. ("MATRIC")
In 2009, Potter was the recipient of the West Virginia Bar Association's Award of Merit. Additional awards include the Spirit of the Valley Award for leadership and volunteer work in the Kanawha Valley, the Order of Vandalia (WVU's highest award) and membership into the Business Hall of Fame at Marshall University. Mr. Potter also received the Alumni Recognition Award from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University and the recipient of the Hazo Carter Presidential Award from West Virginia State University and the James R. Thomas II Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Charleston Renaissance Corporation and the Paul Narres Fellow of the Charleston Rotary.
Tom was an avid sportsman, whether it be skiing, tennis, mountain biking, golf, or simply running, he gained camaraderie through shared experiences, friendly competition, and the bonds formed with fellow athletes. In his later years, he became an active leader and participant in the senior sports movement and helped form and served as president and member of the board of the West Virginia Senior Sports Classic, Inc. He participated in the National Senior Games primarily in basketball but also volleyball.
Tom profoundly impacted many lives, shaping the state with his remarkable wisdom, kind spirit, and relentless determination. He will be deeply missed.
It is Tom's request that any generosity given in his name be directed to his beloved university. The WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650. Checks should be made to WVU Foundation noting Thomas E. Potter on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity in advance.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Tom will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, WV with Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.