Thomas Bryant “Tom” Potter, 74, a Williamsburg resident for 22 years, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Potter; and older brother, Robert Potter II.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Jane Potter; daughter, Lisa Lasso, and son-in-law, Ronan Lasso; daughter, Kirsten Talley, and son-in-law, Carey Talley; stepdaughter, Chrissy Kelly, and son-in-law, Luke Kelly; stepdaughter, Kelly Frostick; three grandchildren, Max Talley, Lyla Talley and Knox Kelly; and an endless number of dear friends.
Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Before beginning a 30-year career with the Campbell’s Soup Company (regional manager) which was followed by 15 years with Acosta Sales & Marketing (vice president), he attended college at the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh and very proudly served as an U.S. Army Reservist. Tom and his family moved many times over his career, but ultimately landed in Williamsburg in 1998, a town dear to his heart.
He found happiness in Williamsburg and loved sharing it with his family and friends. Only the truly lucky got to enjoy a ride in Tom’s golf cart at dusk to see the deer, spend time on the deck with a cold one and some grilled oysters while bird-watching, or just relax with him by the fire pit. Tom loved the outdoors and especially loved enjoying it with those close to him.
Being a true Wisconsinite, Tom followed all Wisconsin sports teams, but a visit to Tom and Jane’s home made it clear — Tom was a tried and true Green Bay Packers fan, even becoming a shareholder. A Packers game in Tom and Jane’s basement was an unforgettable experience, especially for his girls, their husbands and grandchildren. Tom was a lifelong athlete, an avid golfer and marathon runner for as long as his body let him. He was a mean griller, a handsome, sharp-dressed man and the ultimate host.
He loved to entertain and make people happy; time with Tom was endlessly fun. He made everyone feel welcome and never failed to put a smile on the face of anyone he encountered, treating everyone as a friend. His manners were unmatched and his love was a true gift.
Tom worked tirelessly, on and off the job, for his family and supported Jane and the girls in every endeavor, failure and adventure, good or bad, with seemingly endless positivity and devotion. He raised strong, independent girls and instilled an unfailing moral compass in each of them. Without a doubt, no one could ask for a more steadfast teammate in life. By his example, he taught his girls to work hard and always do the right thing. He adored his wife, Jane, and was unmatched as a grandfather. He was always in good spirits, even after two strokes tried, unsuccessfully, to take him down in the 7 years before he passed. He worked hard to overcome the challenges presented to him during that time, but nothing could bring Tom down. He was a fighter to the end, and he was the best friend Jane ever had.
The world has lost an amazing example of kindness, humility and perseverance, and there is no doubt the world will never be the same without him. His family misses him dearly but, with Tom’s example, will always stick together and live their lives by his solid, encouraging and selfless example.
Family and friends will be notified of the date and time of Tom’s memorial service, which will occur at Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
The family has designated the American Heart Association and Respite Care Program, Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, for memorial contributions, the latter of which brought Tom a tremendous amount of joy and pride during and beyond his visits.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
