Obituaries

Wilbur L. Potts, 81

August 23, 1939 - April 30, 2021

Wilbur L. Potts, 81, of Lititz, entered his heavenly home on April 30, 2021, at Brethren Village. Born in Schuylkill Haven, he was the son of the late Austin W. and Grace B. (Fisher) Potts. He was the husband of Lydia (Adams) Potts, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Wilbur was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, attended Biblical University, received a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Millersville University, a Master of Science degree from Temple University and a Master of Education in secondary guidance and counseling degree from Millersville University.

His 35-year public school career included Northeastern (York County), Lampeter-Strasburg and Hempfield High Schools. He was employed at Hempfield for 31 years, where he taught ninth grade English and was a high school counselor.

He volunteered at the Lancaster General Hospital from 2004-2018. From 1972-2004, he was a part-time employee of the Strasburg Rail Road where he was a brakeman and conductor. He was a member of Calvary Church and served as an usher and greeter. Wilbur was a gardener, an avid deer hunter, and followed the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, but his greatest enjoyment was time spent with his grandchildren.

Along with his wife, Wilbur is survived by a daughter, Beth, wife of Timothy Stauffer, and their children, Jared, Cassidy, Morgan and Riley, and a son, Daniel, husband of Amy (Reinhart) Potts and their children, Alexa, Karly, Joel, Joshua, Nathan and Micah. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Irene Potts (Austin), of Lansdale and Noreda Potts (Earl) of Lancaster. He was predeceased by his siblings, Dr. Austin, William, Orville, Earl, Fred (infant), Lillian (Potts) Heim, Elaine (Potts) Mattice and Judith (Potts) Ritts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 PM on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, where the family will receive guests beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of service. Private interment at the convenience of the family will take place at Kimmel’s Church cemetery in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wilbur’s memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate.

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Condolences to the Family

June 25, 2021

Dear Lydia and family, I have a card addressed to you to express my sympathy, but do not have a recent address. This was a very appropriate word about Wilbur. Although we’ve not been in touch recently, please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. (I noted that Lillian Heim was among your husband’s relatives. Lillian was my mother’s cousin, so I guess we are related at least through marriage.)
Kathy Scott

May 07, 2021

I was saddened to hear of Wills passing.   Both Will and Earl volunteered their time in the Pathology Department where I worked.   They were both remarkable men, very accomplished and true gentleman.   We were sad when Will decided it was time to end his volunteering time.  My condolences to his family as I know he will be greatly missed.  

May 04, 2021

Thoughts and Prayers to Will’s Family – so sorry to have heard of his passing🙏🏼 Will was a volunteer in our Pathology Department at LGH for many years, where we heard numerous stories of his grandchildren, of whom he was very proud!! I enjoyed our talks, as I was also born and raised in Schuylkill County. 
Thank you for all your help Will – it was greatly appreciated!! Rest In Peace🙏🏼🙏🏼
 
Stacey (Bohr) Blantz
 
 

May 04, 2021

Lydia, I was so sorry to hear of Wilbur’s passing.  I have many fond memories of being with Wilbur and the Potts clan over the years (Deer Lake, family reunions).  He was truly a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time.
Libby (Todie Wise) Monahan

May 03, 2021

Dear Lydia and family, 
When I heard your voice on my machine I just knew. Wilbur was around the St. John St. home so much when I was growing up he was almost like a big brother. We stayed somewhat connected all these years till we were both grandparents. The picnics at your place were especially great and I will always remember the entertainment of playing Johnny Carson & Ed McMahon with Earl  @ a Christmas party. They were all such special times. He was a wonderful man and his memory will be treasured by so many.
Lovingly, Janis Wise

May 03, 2021

Dear Aunt Lydia,
I was sorry to hear the news of Uncle Wilbur passing away. He will be greatly missed. You and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Julia and Rick Martin

May 03, 2021

Dear Lydia n family,
I remember the day I first met this wonderful man Wilber, it doesn’t seem like sixty years ago.  I was first impressed by his sense of humor then his friendliness, that over the many years evolve into Christian love, respect and admiration.  The many precious memories of my wonderful brother in law, I will always treasure and I truly mean many. !!!   I know Wilber is now enjoying his heavenly homecoming, reuniting with all his loved ones already to embrace him and give him a welcome home son, brother, friend and many more.  Rest In peace dear one until we meet again.  Love always ❤️✝️
Mary Adams

May 02, 2021

Dear Lydia,
I was so sorry to read of Wilbur’s homegoing. I guess it is our age that we are loosing friends. You are in our prayers.
love,
John and Joan Troutman 
Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and our strength..” 

May 02, 2021

I knew Wil when he was at Hempfield High School, where I also taught. He was always a kind, funny, and generous colleague. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Melissa Byers

May 02, 2021

Dear Lydia,
I just read of Wilbur’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. I remember his thoughtful approach to most things. I now work with Syrian refugees in the Middle East, so I feel far away. But I will pray God is near you and your family. Don Johns

May 02, 2021

Dear Lydia, please accept our sincere sympathy to you and your family.  We shall hold all of you close in thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead.  Praying,  Gordon & Sally Landis
 

Visitation
Thursday, May 06, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Calvary Church
1051 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services
Thursday, May 06, 2021
12:00 PM
Calvary Church
1051 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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