Potts, Jr., Joel A. “Potto”, 99, of New Martinsville, WV went to be with his Lord Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at Wetzel County Hospital in New Martinsville, WV.

Joel was born April 27, 1915 in New Martinsville, WV the youngest son of the late Joel A. and Clara (Daugherty) Potts, Sr.

He retired December 31, 1982 after 35 years from First National Bank in New Martinsville as the CEO, a proud graduate of Magnolia High School – class of 1935 where he was a member of the band and football team. His senior year was named to the All-State Football Team. He was an active member and supporter of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New Martinsville since his baptism on Easter Sunday 1926. He served his local church in many capacities over the years including, Elder, Deacon, Finance/Stewardship Chairman, treasurer and still shoveled snow off the walks at the age of 90. On the regional church level he served as a board member, trustee, member of the finance/investment committee and a regular attendee at Regional Assembly and Disciples Men’s Retreat. On the general church level he attended General Assembly and after Hurricane Katrina, in 2005, went on a mission work trip to Moss Point, Mississippi at the age of 90

He served his community in various areas over the years as a member of Wetzel Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Wheeling, Osiris Shrine of Wheeling, American Legion Marne Post 28 New Martinsville (where he served as past Commander). Former member of the West Virginia Bankers Association where he had served as Group 1 Chairman, Board member of New Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, Past President, Treasurer and Chaplin of New Martinsville Rotary Club, Treasurer of Wetzel County Hospital Board of Trustees. He always felt his most gratifying community service accomplishment was being part of the construction and completion of the present Wetzel County Hospital Building in 1979. He felt the most humbling event in his life was when the Magnolia High School Boosters Club honored him with the Life Achievement Award. He was a World War II Army Veteran having served in France, Germany, The Philippians and Japan. While serving his country he attained the rank of Master Sargent. He wrote and published a book about his experiences in WWII. He took great pleasure in his daily trips, including the evening before he came to the hospital, to Quinet’s Court Restaurant to eat and visit with the “girls” and other customers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly forty-six years, Virginia Maxwell Potts, May 1, 1998; two brothers, Lee in 1908 and Ray in 1996.

Surviving are his son, Joel A. “Joey” Potts, III of New Martinsville, WV; special niece who was like a daughter, Brenda Maxwell Keyser of Barboursville, WV; Alishah, Kenny, Noah and Jonah Hardway, who are like grandchildren; his beloved black Lab, Floyd and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins and special neighbors, John and Mindy Kacor.

Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Jarvis-Williams Funeral Home, 1224 S Bridge St., New Martinsville. Friends then received 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015 at First Christian Church, 521 Maple Ave., New Martinsville, WV with Rev. Dr. Victor Hunter officiating. Assisting in the service will be Rev. Dr. William B. Allen, Rev. Kenneth M. Hardway, Rev. David Chafin , Rev. Jayne Chafin and Rev. Stephen T. Smythers.

Interment to follow in Northview Cemetery in New Maritnsville, WV.

Graveside services will be conducted by the Wetzel Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M. The Honor Guard will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made, in “Potto’s” name, to First Christian Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 274, New Martinsville, WV 26155 or Men’s Endowment Fund – Joel Potts Fund, c/o Christian Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Special thanks to the staff of Medi Home Care, Dr. Jonathan Blum, Dr. Edward Emch and A-wing staff of Wetzel County Hospital for the excellent care provided.

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