Dr. William Arthur "Bill" Potter's Obituary
Dr. William Arthur "Bill" Potter, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed physician, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 25, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 89. His life was a symphony of dedication, compassion, and an unquenchable curiosity that enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Born on June 26, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to William Ransom and Adelaide Lucille Potter, Bill's journey was marked by a love for learning and music. A gifted musician, he trained in classical piano, played trumpet in the Auburn University Marching Band and the National Guard Army Band. His passion for music continued throughout his life, supporting the arts with unwavering enthusiasm, and celebrating the musical talents of his family.
Bill's educational path reflected his determination and intellect. He graduated from Auburn University before earning his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital and pursued a Pulmonary Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Recognized for his expertise, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. A pioneer in his field, Dr. Potter was the Medical Director of Respiratory Care Services and Hyperbaric Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, as well as the Medical Director of the School of Respiratory Therapy. As a founder and partner of Memphis Lung Physicians, he left an enduring legacy in the medical community through innovation and compassionate care.
Bill treasured 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty Buttram Potter. Together they raised a loving family that includes their children: William A. Potter II; Laura P. Schriner (Dr. Robert W. Schriner); Julie P. Whitehead (Dan A. Whitehead); and Stephen H. Potter (Erin U. Potter), along with twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren who were his greatest joy.
A boy scout in his youth, a Cub Master as a father, Bill remained deeply connected to the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life, earning the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. His insatiable curiosity fueled passions for genealogy, travel, reading, and sharing traditions with family, most notably reading “The Night Before Christmas” to his grandchildren on Christmas Eve.
Dr. William A. Potter was predeceased by his parents; his sister Patricia Potter; and grandson Joshua Morgan Whitehead. His legacy lives on through Betty; his children
and their spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and countless friends, colleagues, and former patients whose lives he touched.
Dr. Potter will be remembered not only for his professional brilliance but also for his boundless kindness and humor—a man whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Germantown Presbyterian Church on August 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors at Warren Hall in the church following the service.
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