Ray Whitman Potter, age 96, of Grand Rapids, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2020 at Bowling
Green Manor.
Ray was born in November 1923, in Pottertown, Ohio to Ray Virgil Potter and Mable (Whitman) Potter, and
lived in Wood County for most of his life. During WW II Ray served in the US Army in both theaters,
finishing his service in Japan at the war’s end. Cargill employed him for many rewarding years; his
retirement party turned into an all-day family picnic complete with hayrides and barbecue. Ray also
raised livestock and farmed; his large garden kept the neighborhood in corn and tomatoes every summer.
In later years he wintered in Florida and channeled his energies towards keeping a perfect lawn and
managing a herd of unruly barn cats.
Ray had the gift of listening. Neighbors gathered at his home for morning coffee for years; it was the
place to get advice and share news. He held together a large group of friends and family, keeping people
linked one with another. He will be missed.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Elsie (nee Tober), brothers Clarence and
Joseph, and sister Helen (Potter) Heffelfinger. He is survived by sons David, Michael, and Joseph, their
children and grandchildren, and good friend Eva Harter.
There will be no services as per his wishes; a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial
contributions may be given to the Wood County Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Ray’s final days were eased by the excellent care of Sea Pines Hospital in Melbourne, Florida and by the
staff at Bowling Green Manor. The comfort their thoughtfulness brought cannot be exaggerated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green.
www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com
