Lee Sutherland Potter

Lee Sutherland Potter, 92, wife of Sarah Jackson Potter, passed away on October 13th, 2021.

Lee was born in Aurora, NC, to Hal C. and Myrtle G. Potter. He grew up with his brothers Hal C. Jr. and James (Jimmy) L. Potter. As a teen, he loved playing basketball, fishing, and driving his boat on the Pamlico River. After Lee finished High School as valedictorian, he was off to the only college he ever wanted to attend: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After college, Lee joined the US Air Force during the Korean War. Lee’s time in the military sparked an interest in accounting and after his 4 years of service, he returned to school to complete his Accounting degree.

It was during his junior year at UNC-CH that Lee met his raven-haired beauty and future wife, Sarah Jackson, who was a student at Women’s College of North Carolina (now UNC-Greensboro). The two eloped in 1951 and the rest, they say, is history. Lee and Sarah shared 70 years together with more laughter than tears, more ups than downs, and more happiness than heartache, or a “net win” as Lee would say.

After Lee completed his degree in Accounting and passed his CPA exam, his professional path led him to start his own accounting firm, Potter and Company, in Monroe, NC. His legacy at Potter and Company continues as the firm thrives with multiple locations in the Charlotte, NC area.

During their 50 years living in Monroe, NC, Lee played many, many rounds of golf at Rolling Hills Country Club where he served as President. Lee was a member of the Monroe Rotary Club and he and his family attended Central United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife Sarah, Lee is survived by his children Steve Potter (Carissa), Ginny Potter, and Martha Bowen (Bill) and grandchildren Jay Potter, Sarah Bowen Wood (Ben) and Carolanne Bowen. He was preceded in passing by his parents Hal Sr. and Myrtle Potter and brother Hal Potter Jr.

Immediate family members will have a private service at the Columbarium at Tryon Estates, located in Columbus, NC, on Thursday, October 21st at 2:00pm. Immediately after at 2:30, there will be a Celebration of Lee’s Life in the Laurel Room at Tryon Estates.

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.

COVID-19 protocol: For any family members or friends who are not vaccinated, you will have to be scheduled for testing prior to the event. Please contact Kevin prior to Wednesday, 10/19/21, at kevin.lynch@actslife.org, to schedule your COVID19 testing.

Sanders Funeral Home

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