Elvis E Potter

Elvis (Al) Potter, 94, of Opelika, Alabama passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2024. Born August 30, 1930, near Bloomfield, Missouri, Elvis was the son of the late Clifford Elvis Potter and Elvah Annis Potter (nee Parks) of Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Edith Colleen, and daughter Judy Lynn.

Al was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 71 years, Audrey Alice Potter (nee Smale). Al enlisted in the Air Force in November 1950. Although he was originally given orders for Korea, his assignment was first changed to Germany and then England while on the troop ship to Germany. This change of assignment to England was preordained. It was there he met the love of his life.  She was a young English woman who worked at the same dental clinic as he on Bushy Park Air Force Base in Teddington, near London, England.

Al remained in the Air Force for 8 years. During that time, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After his service in the Air Force, he continued to serve his country in the civil service for 30 years, working as a finance director at military bases at home and abroad. Following his government service, he continued to work, including real estate sales, financial counseling, and trading.  In fact, he was known in his circle as being incredibly well versed and practiced in the stock market; he was trading the day before he died!  He was a tough old man who could also cook.  The favorite was pancakes.

While Al was focused on providing for his family, he also had a fierce love of his country.  He enjoyed traveling to see the places he loved, especially the mountain west that he fell in love with during a posting to Dugway, UT.  He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly hiking and fishing.  Whether planning to be outdoors or going grocery shopping, Al was never seen without a hat. 

Al leaves behind a legacy of three successful daughters, three successful grandsons, great grandchildren, and one sister (Virginia Christensen). His other daughters are Susan (husband Larry, sons Brian and Sean), Dianne (husband Neal, son Darren), and Amy.  His great grandchildren are Makylin, Josie, Khloe, Sadie, and Henry.

Public visitation will be from 9 am to 10 am on October 3rd at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801.

A procession will travel to the burial service that will take place at 11:30 am CST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856.