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In the early morning hours of Jan. 20, 2023, Clarence Burton “CB” Potter passed away peacefully surrounded by family. CB was 66 years old.
Clarence Potter was born in Rockbridge County on April 18, 1956. He was the child of Mae Conner Potter and Ray Lee Potter Jr. CB was a godly man, joining Collierstown Presbyterian Church in 1969 before graduating from Lexington High School in 1974. During his time at CPC, he served as an elder and chairperson who led the celebration of the 175 year church anniversary. “CB did many things for the church and never looked for any praise,” S.W.
CB was a charter member of the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department established in 1976. He worked at Kroger for 39 years before retiring in 2012. After retirement, CB worked at Donald’s Meat Processing with the Potter family until his heart condition worsened in 2015.
CB devoted his spare time to the church, RARO as a board member and coach, the Effinger Elementary School PTA as the president, and as a founding officer of the Rockbridge Diamond Club. He continued to be a proud supporter of sports and school functions after his children graduated.
In the summer, you’d most likely find him working in his beloved garden or listening to bluegrass music in the pool. The beach was one of his favorite places, even though he didn’t like fighting with the sand. He especially enjoyed driving out onto the beach in the Outer Banks. Among other things, CB enjoyed canning vegetables from his garden, baking, and dancing with his wife. He was always eager to try out new recipes he’d found on the internet.
CB’s favorite season was Christmas. He loved decorating, watching Christmas movies, and had to make sure that every light bulb twinkled.
In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Lee Potter III, and his sister, Stacey Potter Campbell.
Clarence is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Donna VanNess Potter. He is also survived by his children, Cavett Potter, Paul Potter, Conner Ray Potter (Kelsey), and Maelea Potter, and his mother-in-law, Carrie Van-Ness. CB had two grandchildren, Zach Potter and “grand-dog” Sadie Gray. He is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor CB may do so by making a monetary donation to either his daughter’s education fund at Corner-Stone Bank or to his church, Collierstown Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to thank all of the medical care team at UVA Medical Center and a very special “thank you” to Dr. Patricia Schirmer at Rockbridge Health.
A memorial service will be conducted tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. at Collierstown Presbyterian Church (31 Church Drive Lexington, VA 24450) by the Rev. Steve Willis.
Arrangements are by Simpson Funeral Home of Roanoke. N-G
