RICHARD Q. POTTER, August 29, 1943 ~ June 12, 2016

Cause of Death: Heart Failure
Was a Veteran: U.S. Army

          Richard “Shorty Robins” Potter, age 72, of Branson, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016. He was born August 29, 1943, in La Jolla Settlement, California, the son of Clemente R. Rodriguez, Jr. and Amelia Margaret Quiroz. Shorty was joined in marriage to his loving wife Marda on May 1, 1995. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
          A longtime veteran of the music business, Shorty had a remarkable and diverse musical past. In his early years, he worked for the legendary Leo Fender and then worked for Rickebacker building guitars that were to become collectors’ items and set a standard in modern musical history. He shared the stage with well-knowns, including Dick Dale and the Del Tones, The Righteous Brothers, Merge Haggard, Hoyt Axton, Freddy Fender and Asleep at the Wheel.
          Shorty will be remembered as a charismatic performer and versatile musician as he was known for singing, songwriting and playing the guitar, bass and harmonica. Among his many accomplishments and experiences, he was nominated Entertainer of the Year by the California Country Music Association both in 1985 and 1986. In addition to his renditions of Willie Nelson songs, Shorty is known best for his full-band-sound live performances as “King of the One-Man-Bands.” He was a member of many organizations supporting country music, such as the Academy of Country Music, and was one of the original board of directors of the California Music Association.
          Shorty moved from California to the Branson area in 1995, where he and Marda performed together in Silverstar, complementing each other’s musical talents and charming personalities. For recreation, he enjoyed bass fishing and golf. Shorty will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
          Shorty is survived by his loving wife Marda of the home; daughter, Jaime Holz and husband Jeff of Riverside California; daughter, Wendi Barba and husband Larry of Grizzly Flats, California; a sister, Nancy Hamrick and husband Allen of Plano, Texas; a brother, Rod Potter of Fresno, California; three grandchildren, Joshua Holz, Evan Barba and Shay Barba; and a nephew who was like a son, Tony Potter and wife Julie of Fresno, California. He is preceded in death by his parents.    
          A memorial service was held on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at The Sanctuary of Hope with Pastor Sam Kaunley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Shorty may be made to the Missions at The Sanctuary of Hope.  

http://cremationsoftheozarks.com/obituaries/richard-shorty-robins-potter

Submitted by Marda Potter