William "Billy" Roy Potter, 76, of Kelly went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 12, 2012 with family at his bedside. William was born January 9, 1936 in Bladen County, the son of the late Bill Henry and Erma Squires Potter. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Horace Potter.

In addition to his beloved wife of 50 years, Judy Pridgen Potter, William is survived by his three children, Roy Potter (Deborah) of Kelly, Lorrie Carter (C. L.) of White Oak and Hope Harrelson (Will) of Kelly; seven grandchildren, Crystal Potter, Michelle Potter, Brandon Young, Nathan Harrelson, Isabella Harrelson, Pamela Carter and Jennifer Carter; two step-grandchildren, William Charles Harrelson and Cheyenne Harrelson; four great grandchildren, Alayzha Potter, Sean Potter, Cedric McKiver and Lexi McKiver; four brothers, Jerry Potter, Carl Potter, Travis Potter and Leon Potter all of Kelly; and one sister, Lottie Potter of Kelly; many nieces, nephews and friends.

William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Kelly until his illness no longer allowed. He served his country honorably in the US Army National Guard from 1958 to 1961. Billy was a founding member of Kelly Volunteer Fire Department. For 27 years he worked at International Paper Company of Riegelwood, retiring in 1997. Billy loved the Lord, his family and his community, giving his all to them as long as his health permitted. Cherished memories of Billy will forever remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church with The Rev. Ernie Block and The Rev. Leonard Sheppard officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories.

Casketbearers will be Brandon Young, William Charles Harrelson, James Potter, Travis Potter, Jr., Michael Potter, and Greg McKoy. Honorary bearers will be Archie Ray Corbett, Bobby Russ, Phil Potter, Sammy Potter, and Benny Corbett.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

At the family's request in lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, PO Box 1316, Burgaw NC 28425.

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 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church with The Rev. Ernie Block and The Rev. Leonard Sheppard officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.