Troy James Potter

Troy James Potter, 70 of Dumas, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Dumas. Rev. John Sanders, pastor of the church will be officiating. Interment will follow in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Troy was born on September 24, 1941 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Carl Boots and Bertha Brown Potter, the second of four children. His father died in 1957, leaving Troy to help support his mother and two younger siblings. He was united in marriage to Linda Paris Bechtel on June 4, 1982 in Dumas. They shared their life together for just short of thirty years in Dumas. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Troy was the Dr. Pepper Super Salesman in 1961. He served as assistant manager of Cut Rate grocery store in Sunray, Texas and here he learned the basics of profitability in business by managing the purchasing, sales and marketing strategies so necessary in business. He completed the Dale Carnegie course in 1964 and loved to speak to groups. Troy became a locomotive fireman on the Rock Island Railroad in 1965. This job required that the youngest seniority employees would be furloughed during slow freight seasons, and would necessitate securing secondary employment to make ends meet. Troy and his brother purchased a small trucking company in 1967 named TPI Inc., that was involved in Gas and Oil tank truck servicing. In 1969 Troy purchased his brothers half interest in the company, resigned the railroad and moved his family to Dumas, Texas. In 1982 he sold TPI Inc. Troy started a sand and gravel business with a rock crusher and material washing plant. This enterprise resulted in a financial disaster for Troy, but also was the igniter for an idea that ended up with United States and Canadian patents in 1987 on a system to recover hydrocarbon vapors emitted during the loading of condensate in the gas field. Troy spent the next 5 years developing policies, and procedures and implementing his ideas that resulted in the doubling of the company with the acquisition of a Phillip Petroleum contract. Troy was a long standing member and integral part of the Dumas Community. He was the charter president of the Sunray Jaycees, helping to complete several projects to enhance the civic life of the towns citizens. He served as City Commissioner for Dumas. Troy also taught classes at Frank Phillips College. He loved helping kids, and he sponsored a lot of recreational groups for children. In 1987, Troy and Linda started Potter Trucking Inc. Troy was fortunate in hiring several employees with the abilities and determination to help tremendously with the growth of Potter Trucking Inc. In December 2010 Troy and Linda sold Potter Trucking and looked forward to traveling and seeing the world. Troy loved to read and was always whistling and singing. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. Troy impacted so many lives and he will be missed dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Steve Potter. Troy leaves behind his wife, Linda of the home sons, Jerry Potter of Dumas and Kurtis Bechtel and wife Terrie of Sanford daughters, Nena Shook and husband Rex, Stephanie Venable and husband Scott, and Nikki Hayes and husband Jay, all of Dumas three brothers, Fred Potter and wife Arvella of Valley View, Bill Potter and wife Joanne of Kennewick, WA, and Larry Anglin and wife Carla of Borger one sister, Lily Mae Nicholson of Dimmitt grandchildren, Sarah Neeley and Justin Potter, both of San Antonio, Shasten Potter of Dallas, Ashley Potter of Whitehouse, Kym LaRue of Amarillo, Shane Hanna of Dumas, Josh Bechtel of Borger, Jacob Bechtel of Fritch, Nick Schuman of Amarillo, Katie Bechtel of Borger, Jake Karnes of Pampa, Josie Hayes, Ansley Bartley, Dax Hayes, and Makenzie Venable of Dumas, Joe Bechtel of Sanford, Cole Venable of Dumas, and Nichole Shook of Lubbock fourteen great grandchildren numerous other family members and friends. The family suggests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 395, Dumas, TX 79029. The family will be at 129 Melinda Lane in Dumas.