Donnie Ray Potter, age 74, of Kinston passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, January 21, 2023, after a courageous battle following surgery and prolonged illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6pm on Thursday, January 26, at Tanglewood Church of God with Pastor Allen Stocks officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Donnie was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina on January 14, 1949, to Gene and Mary Kennedy Potter. He was known for his outgoing personality, laughter, extensive automobile knowledge, and devotion to his family. Donnie was a proud Kinstonian and happily served the community for many years as the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Kinston. As a lover of music, Donnie played in numerous bands throughout his life and enjoyed teaching his children to appreciate all types of music. He was a skilled mechanic and enjoyed racing, car shows, and his time spent at the Kinston Drag Strip surrounded by friends. Donnie was a member of Tanglewood Church of God and believed in the kindness of humanity. He never met a stranger and was very generous to everyone he met. Donnie also enjoyed the company of his beloved dog, Penny, and the many car rides they enjoyed together.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gene; mother, Mary; and brother, Tommy.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of 46 years; sons, Scott Potter (Courtney) of Phoenix, Arizona, Jonathan Potter (Mary) of Kinston, David Wilson (Amanda) of Walterboro, South Carolina; daughter, Sara Potter of Kinston; sisters, Martha Littleton (Raymond) of New Bern, and Debbie Harper (Jimmie) of Kinston; grandchildren Madison and Mellanie Wilson, and Brady Richardson; sisters-in-law, Virginia Dize and Stuart Parks (Andy), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Holding a special place in his heart was his dog Penny and his granddogs Juno, Cali, Birdie, and Gwenny.

The family would like to thank 3HC aides, therapists and nurses for the wonderful and compassionate care they gave to Donnie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.