William Robert Potter, 91, of Columbia, died Sunday, March 10, 2024. Born April 12, 1932, in Savannah, GA, he was a son of the late William Swain Potter and Annie Laura Cliatt Potter. Mr. Potter moved to Columbia at age nine and attended Columbia public schools. He enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard and was later drafted into the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country in Germany during the Korean War. Once discharged from the military he moved back to Columbia and was employed at the State Hospital. Mr. Potter would eventually retire with over 33 years of Civil Service. Following his retirement, he was a caretaker for his wife and was employed part time for Anderson Armored Car. Mr. Potter had many interests and hobbies throughout his life, but one of his most memorable was coaching Dixie Youth Baseball when his son was a teenager.

Survivors include his son, Walter Potter (Linda Wise Potter) of Augusta, GA; daughter, Gale Autry of Lexington; grandchildren, Brian Anthony Autry (Jenni), Jason E. Autry (Bonnie), William Wesley Potter (Tiffany), and Van Evan Potter; great grandchildren, Ellie Autry, Will Autry, Alivia Autry, Warren Potter, Riley Grace Potter, and Johnston Potter, as well as his brother, Lawrence Eugene Potter (Joann) of Columbia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Alma Delk Potter and a daughter, Nancy Potter.

Mr. Potter will lie in repose from 9 until 5 o'clock on Wednesday, March 13th and Thursday, March 14th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd. Ext., Columbia, SC.

The graveside service for Mr. Potter will be held at 11 o'clock, Friday, March 15th at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29204. The family will greet friends briefly at the cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials many be made to Spears Creek Baptist Church, 116 Spears Creek Church Ln, Elgin, SC 29045.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.