Wallace Edward Potts

Wallace Edward Potts, 85 Lakeland " Wallace Edward Potts passed away June 29, 2015. He was born on May 7, 1930, in Lyndhurst, NJ. Wally, as he was known to his friends and family lived a full life. He was a supportive and selfless husband and daddy. His warmth and kindness touched all who came in contact with him. He loved life, his family and was full of compassion for others. Wally was an avid reader. He loved music- everything from ""Celery Stalks at Midnight"" to Neil Young to New Age. He had a voracious appetite for the news. ""Uncle Walt"" Cronkite for many years was a staple at dinnertime in the Potts house, to the McNeil Lehrer Report, Huntley & Brinkley, 60 Minutes, and the local news. He loved gardening. No weed should be left standing. He had a green thumb when it came to vegetable gardening. He grew roses and orchids. A fig tree, he had planted many years ago still bears fruit today. He graduated in 1947, from Lyndhurst High School in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. To this day, the friends he made way back then are still in contact and are as close as ever. Wally was in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a paratrooper, but was fortunate to remain stateside during his stint in the military. He made many lasting friendships while in the military. He graduated from the Newark College of Engineering (n/k/a New Jersey Institute of Technology) as a Chemical Engineer. He went to school 4 nights a week and worked a full time job to support his family to get his degree. He worked in the phosphate industry here in Central Florida for most of his working career. He was a volunteer for the Cancer Society in New Jersey, the Shelby County (TN) Good Schools Committee, and in the Polk County schools as a math tutor to name a few of the many organizations that he contributed his time and energy. Wally is survived by his loving wife of 60+ years, Clarita. His daughters- Lizbeth (Michael), Lauren (Bill), and Sharon (Allen). His grandson, Travis. His brother, Albert and his wife, Anita and nephew, Warren and his family. He leaves behind many friends and colleagues who remember his sense of humor and forthright frankness. A big thank you to the caregivers, neighbors, and friends who have been so helpful and supportive throughout. Your sincerity and generosity have been beyond helpful and appreciated. It has given the family a sense of calm knowing you all are there. As Wally would always remind us, ""Don""t be anxious. Go with the flow"". And, so we will as we remember this wonderful man and cherish those memories he helped all of us make. A family visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2015, from 5pm to 7pm at the Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice. Burial will be held at a later date at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 07/09/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel