William James Potton

William “Bill” J. Potton, aged 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 15, 2024, at Kingsley Senior Living in Canton, MI. He was born on May 28, 1936, in Avalon, WI, to the late Howard and Martha (Roberts) Potton. He was a 1954 graduate of Clinton High School where he met and fell in love with Thelma Webster. After high school, he attended trade school to become an aircraft mechanic and then enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and served his country for four years. He and Thelma were married on April 26, 1958 in Clinton, WI. He was employed by American Airlines in 1960, first in Chicago for two years and then transferred to Detroit for the remainder of his 37 years as an aircraft mechanic, retiring in 1997. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He attended First Baptist Church of Westland, where he worshipped and served for 60 years. He loved the outdoors, was an avid fisherman and hunter, and had a passion for woodcarving and taxidermy. He tended a large garden in his yard, was able to use his mechanical skills to fix anything and enjoyed watching the Detroit sports teams, while never giving up his allegiance to the Green Bay Packers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Thelma; children, Alan (Sharon) Potton of Cypress, TX, Bryan (Nancy) Potton of Troy, Rebecca (David) Stark of Brunswick, OH, Mary (Steve) Hatcher of Canton, and Karl (Dawn) Potton of Westland; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and sister Ruth (Dan) Clark of Neillsville, WI; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his infant son David and brothers Larry and Dale. Please share a memory of "Bill" by signing his Guest Book. Family and friends are invited to the RG and GR Harris Funeral Home, 31551 Ford Road, Garden City, MI, for visitation from 9:30-11 AM and a funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Interment will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West, 34224 Ford Road, Westland, MI following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ducks Unlimited are suggested. Use the following link to make a memorial donation: Click Here to Donate Click Here to watch the Webcast