1933
Arthur
2011
Arthur M. Potts, Sr.
November 13, 1933 — December 19, 2011
Arthur Melvin Potts, Sr. was born November 13, 1933 to John Patrick and Josephine Potts in Portsmouth, Virginia the youngest of 13 children. His early education was received at Portsmouth Public Schools in Portsmouth, Virginia. He attended I.C. Norcom High School.
Arthur's parents and his 12 siblings preceded him in death. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. At the age of 17 Arthur began a most fascinating experience when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served his country for 10 years.
He served during the Korean conflict. Arthur was employed by the United States Postal Service for a number of years. He later attended Culinary School to become a Chef but soon found that this was not his calling.
He did not let this stop him from trying his hand at other jobs. He worked as a Taxi Driver for a while. He was also employed by Consolidated Freightways for a short time. Later he gave up the idea of working for someone else and became self-employed
Being an entrepreneur seemed to have been his true calling in the business world. Many people will remember him for owning "Art's Night Owl Tavern." Art's Tavern was successful but he still had a dream that he wanted to pursue. His dream was to become a Real Estate Investor.
Arthur pursued his dream and conquered it. He became that Real Estate Investor and owned apartments and houses throughout the Portland-Metro area. One of his main interests was rebuilding urban neighborhoods. Real Estate was his niche.
He met Doris the love of his life and they were married October 7, 1958.
He was a spiritual man who possessed an extraordinary love for God and the work that was assigned to him. He also exemplified that same love for his Church, family and community. He was a firm believer that life is filled with endless possibilities. His words were, "I can't help you if you won't help yourself."
He united with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon in 1985 under the pastorage of Rev. Johnny Pack IV. He served faithfully with the Usher's Ministry.
Later, in October 1987, he united with the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. He served with Usher's Ministry #1, served as a Trustee as well as held the position of Chairman of the Trustees. He was appointed and ordained a Deacon by Rev. Johnny Pack IV in 1989 where he served his post well. Deacon Potts was a regular attendee of Sunday morning Worship as well as Prayer meeting and Bible study. He also served as Chairman of the Finance Ministry. Deacon Potts held the position of Advisor to Ushers Ministry #3 who was affectionately known to him as "His Kids," until his health begin to fail him.
Arthur and Doris Potts became the Godparents of Reverend Johnny Pack IV in 1990 and they treated him as their own son. Deacon Potts was truly a wise businessman and often gave Rev. John sound business advice. They spent a lot of time discussing personal affairs and Church business. For over 20 years he was a faithful servant, committed and loyal to the work of the Lord. He was a dedicated member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and most of all he was devoted to his Lord.
Deacon Potts departed this earthly life to make his transition to eternal life on December 19, 2011 at the Veterans Hospital in Portland, Oregon and he leaves behind to celebrate his life and mourn his passing a loving wife, Doris known to many as "Mom Potts," four children: Rene` (known as Jackie), Sharon, Arthur, Jr., Terri, and Charlotte; granddaughter, Nika who they raised as their own daughter. Five grands: DeAngelo, Rashad, Arthur, III, Austin, Courtney and Jaylen. He is the great grandfather to Alzae, Rashad Jr., Jakobi, Amira and DeAngelo, Jr., two brother-in-laws, Calvin Nash and Morris Byrd and Godson, Dr. Johnny Pack IV. He also leaves to mourn and cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Arthur's parents and his 12 siblings preceded him in death. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. At the age of 17 Arthur began a most fascinating experience when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served his country for 10 years.
He served during the Korean conflict. Arthur was employed by the United States Postal Service for a number of years. He later attended Culinary School to become a Chef but soon found that this was not his calling.
He did not let this stop him from trying his hand at other jobs. He worked as a Taxi Driver for a while. He was also employed by Consolidated Freightways for a short time. Later he gave up the idea of working for someone else and became self-employed
Being an entrepreneur seemed to have been his true calling in the business world. Many people will remember him for owning "Art's Night Owl Tavern." Art's Tavern was successful but he still had a dream that he wanted to pursue. His dream was to become a Real Estate Investor.
Arthur pursued his dream and conquered it. He became that Real Estate Investor and owned apartments and houses throughout the Portland-Metro area. One of his main interests was rebuilding urban neighborhoods. Real Estate was his niche.
He met Doris the love of his life and they were married October 7, 1958.
He was a spiritual man who possessed an extraordinary love for God and the work that was assigned to him. He also exemplified that same love for his Church, family and community. He was a firm believer that life is filled with endless possibilities. His words were, "I can't help you if you won't help yourself."
He united with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon in 1985 under the pastorage of Rev. Johnny Pack IV. He served faithfully with the Usher's Ministry.
Later, in October 1987, he united with the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. He served with Usher's Ministry #1, served as a Trustee as well as held the position of Chairman of the Trustees. He was appointed and ordained a Deacon by Rev. Johnny Pack IV in 1989 where he served his post well. Deacon Potts was a regular attendee of Sunday morning Worship as well as Prayer meeting and Bible study. He also served as Chairman of the Finance Ministry. Deacon Potts held the position of Advisor to Ushers Ministry #3 who was affectionately known to him as "His Kids," until his health begin to fail him.
Arthur and Doris Potts became the Godparents of Reverend Johnny Pack IV in 1990 and they treated him as their own son. Deacon Potts was truly a wise businessman and often gave Rev. John sound business advice. They spent a lot of time discussing personal affairs and Church business. For over 20 years he was a faithful servant, committed and loyal to the work of the Lord. He was a dedicated member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and most of all he was devoted to his Lord.
Deacon Potts departed this earthly life to make his transition to eternal life on December 19, 2011 at the Veterans Hospital in Portland, Oregon and he leaves behind to celebrate his life and mourn his passing a loving wife, Doris known to many as "Mom Potts," four children: Rene` (known as Jackie), Sharon, Arthur, Jr., Terri, and Charlotte; granddaughter, Nika who they raised as their own daughter. Five grands: DeAngelo, Rashad, Arthur, III, Austin, Courtney and Jaylen. He is the great grandfather to Alzae, Rashad Jr., Jakobi, Amira and DeAngelo, Jr., two brother-in-laws, Calvin Nash and Morris Byrd and Godson, Dr. Johnny Pack IV. He also leaves to mourn and cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation
Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland
,
OR
US
97213-1754
Thursday, December 22, 2011, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Service
Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
4009 North Missouri Avenue
Portland
,
OR
US
97227
Friday, December 23, 2011, 10:30 AM
Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery
11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland
,
OR
US
97266
Friday, December 23, 2011, 2:00 PM
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