Joe A. Potts. 89, of Plant City, Florida and formerly of Tampa, Florida, funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 with the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard # 708, to officiate.
Joe was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina on August 8, 1923 and passed away at the South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, Florida on August 3, 2013, just 5 days short of celebrating his 90th birthday. He was the owner of Mutual Finance Company and B & P Insurers, along with several other companies involving construction and real estate. Joe was a member of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club for 57 years. He was also a past member of the Tampa Club; Krew of Venus; Kiwanis Club and chairman of the board for the Small Loan Association. Joe was also of the Baptist faith
During Joe's military service, he served in the US Army as a Private First Class as a light machine gunner. He was assigned to the 101st AIRBORNE, 501st Parachute Regiment as a paratrooper. He was awarded the Silver Star & Purple Heart for action against the enemy at the Battle of the Bulge, for destroying a German machine gun nest. His other decorations include the parachutist badge; a Combat Infantry Badge; Distinguished Unit Badge; European Occupational Medal; Good Conduct Medal; World War II Victory Medal. He fought at the Rhineland; Battle of the Bulge and Central Europe.
Joe was wounded in Belgium on January 10, 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge, at Bastogne, Belgium, which occurred just a few days prior to General Patton breaking through the lines to end the battle.
Preceded in death by his parents; Joe is survived by his loving family: his wife of 64 years, Iris of Plant City, Florida; a son, David of Tampa, Florida; a daughter, Joanne of Tampa, Florida; a grandson, Evan of Tampa, Florida and a sister Mary Hiers and her husband, Douglas of Tampa, Florida.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
