In Memory

Stephen Potter

Stephen Potter

(January 23, 1943 – August 14, 2026)

Stephen “Steve” Arthur Potter, 83, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of his home, his family, and close friends.

Steve was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on January 23, 1943, to the late Harold and Janet (Nyland) Potter. In 1961, he proudly entered the United States Army, serving at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, until his honorable discharge in 1964.

With a lifelong passion for learning and helping others, Steve went on to dedicate much of his life to education. From 1971 until 2006, he served with the Wayne Board of Education, where he taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science and mathematics. Throughout his career, he took on additional leadership roles, eventually serving as head of guidance and as principal of summer school. Steve found great fulfillment in working with young people and took pride in making a positive difference in the lives of the many students he taught and guided.

Steve was a man with a wonderful sense of humor who could make people laugh especially when they needed it most. His quick wit, playful spirit, and ability to find humor in everyday moments were some of the qualities that made him so special. He never needed a reason to share a joke or a smile, and his laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Steve had a deep love for the outdoors. He found happiness in being outside, enjoying nature, watching the birds, and especially being at the beach. There was definitely something about the sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, and the peacefulness of the air that brought him joy. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors, surrounded by the people and places he loved.

Steve also had a passion for baseball. From 1974 to 1977, he played semi-professional baseball with the Clifton Phillies, creating memories and friendships through a sport he loved.

He married the love of his life, Judy Daniel, and was blessed with a stepdaughter, Gretchen. Their union was further blessed with two daughters, Debra, from his previous marriage to Joanne; and Yvette, and a son, Stephen, from his previous marriage to Mary. Steve loved being a father and was a family man at heart.

Steve will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love of family, his appreciation for learning, teaching, and most of all, for the lasting difference he made in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His influence will live on through his family, his former students, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

Left to celebrate Steve’s life are his daughters, Debra White, Yvette Calvert; son, Stephen Potter; stepdaughter, Gretchen Muth; grandchildren: Allie White, Courtney White, Heidi Calvert, Gianna Potter, and Alexa Rose Potter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Potter; his parents, Harold and Janet Potter; as well as many other relatives.

A memorial service honoring Stephen’s life will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will be held two hours prior to the service.  Officiating will be Rev. David Corona.  Military Honors will be presented at 11:00 AM.  

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

https://www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/stephen-potter


 
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09/07/26 10:31 AM #1    

Joseph Stewart

In September,1953, I moved from Riverdale, New York to Fair Lawn. Steve was one of the first neighborhood kids I met, He lived around the corner and we immediately became best buddies for life.
That was 73 years ago. I remember us riding our new bikes to grade school. We were very cool.  Parents didn't drive us like they do today. In high school we walked about a mile crossing busy streets and dodging trains on active railroad tracks.....CRAZY!.  Steve would come to my house every morning and wait for me as I was always late. My mother loved Steve and always had something for him to eat while I finished brushing my teeth. 
 
We were both big baseball fans growing up. I remember playing wiffle ball in Steve's driveway and stick ball and punch ball in front of my house. I was a huge New York Giants fan and Willie Mays was my hero. Steve liked the Yankees and Mickey Mantle. Other friends in the neighborhood liked the Brooklyn Dodgers and Duke Snider. We always argued about who was best....Willie, Mickey, or the Duke.  All of us played baseball all day long from morning to dinner time during  the summer at Plaza Field. Lots of good games there. Now, it is just a memory as hundreds of condos have replaced our favorite "Field of Dreams". Ugggh. We played Little League and Junior League ball every year,  Steve was a great pitcher and went on to pitch for the Fair Lawn H.S. Varsity Team. Later on he also played semi-professional ball as well.
 
I'm not sure when we started talking DUCK. It was probably in 5th or 6th grade that we discovered we could both do reasonable Donald Duck impressions, We got into lots of funny duck conversations in school that would drive our friends and teachers crazy. Even later on we would talk to our kids in duck. I'm sure they thought we were crazy as well.
 
After high school, Steve enlisted in the army and became an ER medic. He would have an attachment to the army for the rest of his life through support for veterans groups in conjunction with his career as an educator in the Wayne school system. The recent " Army Pinning Ceremony" at his house in Waynesville, NC was a wonderful show of appreciation for his dedication to the service.
 
Diane and I loved hanging out with Judy and Steve. Lots of good times and laughs over the years. The girls were great cooks and loved to talk and entertain. Steve and I could barbecue and talk duck at the same time. LOL   We were really sad when they decided to retire to North Carolina 20 years ago. They both always wanted to live by the  beautiful  beaches and mountains there, eventually moving to Wilmington and then later on to the smoky mountains in Waynesville. We visited often, but it wasn't the same as being together in New Jersey. Sadly, Diane, Judy, and now Steve have all passed in the last 9 months.  
 
Steve, as I think about you today, the traditional Irish Blessing says it all:
 
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,.
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
 
 
R,I,P, my friend.
Joe

09/09/26 12:41 AM #2    

Richard Stehlik

Hi Steve,

      You were always a Great Friend with Big personality.  Everyone that met you enjoyed

your presence and wanted to be your friend.  I loved Joe Stewart's eulogy of you. 

He knew you best.  I remember the Duck talk.  I think that I remember seeing you at one

of our class reunions.  I remember driving you to Joe and Molly Hocheppel's wedding

and back home.  A Great baseball player.  I think you would've made theMajors.  Thank You

for your service and loyalty to the US Army.  I was in a few years later serving in that

dreaded S E Asian couintry, VN.  Congratulations on leading an admirable life.

      Condolences to Your Family.            Steve, Rest In Peace.          Rich

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