Samuel Harlee Potter, Sr., 87, of Kelly passed gently from his earthly life Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 6, 1924 in Bladen County to Charles and Leather Kelly Potter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Squires Potter, granddaughter, Alexandria Tatum and brother, Rudolph Potter.

Sam is survived by his son, Sammy Potter (Elaine) of Kelly; daughters, Patricia Lewis (John) of Little River, SC, Joyce Burney (Earl) of Kelly and Deanna Tatum (Chris) of Elizabethtown; grandchildren, Dean Lewis (Debbie), Lisa Gore (Chris), Jonathan Lewis, Kendale Potter (Rebecca), Stephanie Ensminger (Jerry), David Burney (Donna), Kevin Burney, Josh Tatum, Kyle Tatum, and Dan Tatum; 11 great grandchildren, one great great grandson; sisters, Kay Hilton, Billie Hardee (Francis) and Mary Wells; sister-in-law, Lucille Lewis (C. B.) and many extended family and friends, who dearly loved Sam.

Mr. Potter was a faithful member of Centerville Baptist Church. For 34 years Sam owned and operated Sam Potter Store where many in the community enjoyed congregating for chatting and a snack. He served his country honorably in the US Navy during WW II.

Sam was a devoted husband and loving father, granddaddy, brother and friend; he cherished his family above all else. He was a man of faith, honor and integrity who served his Lord, his church and his community unceasingly. He always felt his week was not complete unless he attended Sunday school and church. Cherished memories of Sam will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Centerville Baptist Church with The Rev. Ryan Carter, the Rev. Richard Wade and The Rev. Jack Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be grandsons. Honorary bearers will be members of Men I Sunday School class.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church until hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Centerville Baptist Church, PO Box 27, Kelly, NC 28448 or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington NC 28401.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Centerville Baptist Church with The Rev. Ryan Carter, the Rev. Richard Wade and The Rev. Jack Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.