Thomas Potts

Thomas Potts of Hagerstown died December 24, 2020 of pneumonia, with secondary complications due to COVID-19. 

Thomas Repp Potts was born May 18, 1941 in Hagerstown, Maryland to J. Robert Sr. and Hester Mae (Repp) Potts, joining older brothers J. Robert, Jr. (Bob) and William (Bill). He graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 1959 and joined the Air Force, serving in AFTAC, an elite unit based in Alexandria, Virginia, where he met first wife Carol (Beale) Potts. He served in the Air Force seven years, leaving to attend Southeastern University in Washington, D.C. on the GI Bill, with the hope of becoming a stockbroker. Upon graduation in 1973 he started as an entry-level analyst for the General Services Administration. Over the next twenty years Tom rose steadily and quickly in GSA to a GS-15 position. 

He was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Alexandria, serving as congregational treasurer, singing in the choir, and playing first base on the church softball team. After his divorce, he moved back to Hagerstown, and shortly thereafter took early retirement, marrying second wife Linda (Chapman) Potts in 1997. He was a member of the Elks Club, Lodge #378; he became a wine connoisseur, dabbling in day trading, enjoying time out with friends, traveling to see family, and selling wine and spirits at two local liquor stores.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Linda Potts; daughter Julie (David) Grindle and grandsons William, 21, and Thomas, 20, of Baldwinsville, NY; daughter Sharon (Joseph) Apricena and granddaughter Samantha, 10, of Alexandria, VA; and step-daughter Kim (Rick) Murray and grandson Austin Palladino, 21, of Williamsport, MD.

The family is incredibly grateful to the medical and hospice staff at Meritus Medical Center and Doey’s House.

In lieu of flowers donations in Tom’s memory may be made to: Doey’s Hospice House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD, 21742. Website: hospiceofwc.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.osbornefuneralhome.net

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