EXTREMELY SHORT NOTICE: Michael Terry Potter, Retired, US Air Force (150-24) 22 July 24
202 W Kronkosky St
Boerne, TX 78006
USA
US AIR FORCE RETIRED
The family of Mr. Michael Terry Potter, a US Air Force Retired, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the church service and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Michael “Mike” T. Potter COL (USAF Retired), 74 of Boerne, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holt & Holt Funeral Home in Boerne, with a recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, with a reception to follow at Saint Anthony Hall, Upon this Rock Campus. From there, we will depart in procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 PM, with burial at 2:15 PM.
Mike was born November 9, 1949 in San Francisco, CA to the late USAF, LT COL William H. Potter, and the late Doris Marie “Polly” Potter. He attended high school at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, completed his Bachelor of Arts at East Carolina University, Doctor of Dental Surgery at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed his Prosthodontics Residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center.
Mike met his wife Sue of 37 years on a blind date. They were blessed with two boys, William “Bill” and Jeffrey. Mike was over the top when Natalie (Jeffrey’s wife) joined our family. Mike was devoted to his family. He made sure to tell them they were loved and accompanied that with great hugs. He attended his sons’ school functions, sporting events, life events and shared in their joys and in their sorrows. They were everything to him.
Mike did not know the meaning of the word “retired.” The man loved to work. A Board-Certified Prosthodontist, he served in the United States Air Force for 30 years. He followed that with a two-year Geriatric Fellowship at Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, did removable (that means dentures for the rest of us) in a private practice for a few years and then taught prosthetics for 17 ½ years in the undergraduate program at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, School of Dentistry. His greatest reward was seeing a patient smile again after having hidden their teeth for many years. He loved teaching. He arrived early and stayed late for his students. He had years of tips and tricks that did not appear in any textbooks to pass on to his students. He had words of wisdom for them, such as, “You have got to prepare for the clinic!” and “Don’t hurt the patient!” He laughed with his students and colleagues. Always wore boots on Boot Friday, enjoyed morning coffee in the cafeteria and Wednesday lunches with the retired and semi-retired dentists at a local Mexican restaurant.
On July 10, 2024, Mike succumbed to a rare neurodegenerative condition, PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). He was incredibly brave throughout his illness. In just a little over two years, he lost his ability to speak, swallow effectively and move; however, he never lost his desire to live. He found ways to communicate, to show his love and allow his voice to be heard. Any who witnessed his amazing smile that started slowly and grew and grew were blessed to the point of laughter and tears.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sue; his sons William, and Jeffrey; his brothers, Jeff Potter, and Rex Potter (Sandy); and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you to all who helped Mike and his family navigate and cope with this illness.
WEATHER: Hi 82 / Lo 887, 69% Chance of Rain, 68% Humidity, Wind: 4 mph S
REQUESTOR: William Lane Holt, Jr., Family SPOX
STAGING: 9:00 am, Monday, 22 July
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
202 W. Kronkosky St
Boerne TX 78006
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpicrXaz5u4sUxda8
BRIEFING: 9:15 am
SERVICE: 10:00 am
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
202 W. Kronkosky St
Boerne TX 78006
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpicrXaz5u4sUxda8
KSU: 1:15 pm (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 2:15 pm – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
bobtxpgr@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers