Obituary for Robert Potts III
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE REMEMBER BOB WITH RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TO SOMEONE IN NEED.
A FAITHFUL SERVANT’S QUIET LIFE
Robert Potts III (“Bob”) was the eldest son of Elder Robert Potts Jr. and the late Earline Cofer Potts. He was born June 21, 1957 at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. In that year when Bob was six weeks old, with his mother he experienced his first six-hour flight on an American Airlines, four engine, propeller-driven plane to California to join his father who was assigned shipboard duty in Long Beach.
While in California he welcomed the arrival of his two siblings, Greg and Derek. In Los Angeles, young Bob diligently participated in church activities and excelled in school. He was an active member of Bethlehem Church of God Holiness. Bob performed in plays and traveled with the Sunshine Band, sang in choirs, and enjoyed socializing with the Purity Club. He played the accordion on many church programs. Bob played basketball and loved traveling and going fishing with his family. As the eldest, Bob was extremely protective of his two younger brothers. He led by example.
In middle school, Bob got a drafting board and developed a love for drawing. Before graduating from Compton High School, he was selected to study abroad in Europe and learn architecture. Bob continued his interest at the University of Southern California and pursued a lifelong career in architectural design. He worked as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Director for the Landeau Partnership, where he helped design a 100-unit beachfront residential hotel and a 26-story office building. For 11 years Bob was employed as a Project Manager, Architectural Designer and Senior Technical CAD professional at Heery International. His work included technical assistance, document preparation, code compliance, quality assurance and mentoring. More recently he established RP3 Design, using his God-given talent to draw plans for clients and church renovations in Washington and sister churches. He worked closely with his brother Derek on residential and commercial projects until the day the Lord called him home.
More than a decade ago Bob moved from Los Angeles to Maryland. He immediately associated with Bethlehem Church of God Holiness and was later appointed a Senior Deacon. He taught weeknight lessons and assisted the finance committee. In 2013 the Pastors Aid crowned him “King of Bethlehem” for helping to raise funds to support the church. Bob wore his crown with honor and a big smile, and continued to serve diligently. He made coffee for the saints on Sunday mornings, even when he wasn’t assigned to kitchen duty. He left his apron and special tools in the kitchen to help prepare meals for special events. Bob and Rev. Matthew James were known as “Butch and Sundance” on the grill at church picnics and catered events. Bob mastered the art of homemade biscuits and loved baking cakes and cookies. He patiently waited after each service until the last person was gone to lock the building and parking lot gates. He recorded nearly every service. He sang with the senior choir and Male Chorus, and was a frequent soloist on church programs. Bob loved singing old hymns like “Blessed Assurance” and “Never Grow Old,” a cappella or accompanied by his nephew. Affectionately known as “RP3,” Bob enjoyed leading devotional services. He closed testimonies with his signature line: “Peace and blessings to you all.”
Bob was a quiet, kindhearted man who loved family, technology, golf, bow ties and sports. He was the family grill master and DJ, cooking ribs to perfection and assembling hours of music for holiday get-togethers. Bob mastered woodworking as a hobby, creating beautiful, unique pieces of furniture by hand. He was a thoughtful and generous giver. Bob spared no expense on the latest gadgets for loved ones, preferring gifts that support natural, environmental or social causes. He was a man of few words – until you got him talking about the New York Jets, Los Angeles Lakers or USC Trojans. Or about Jesus Christ. Bob spoke boldly about his faith and the impact of Holiness in his life. He is lovingly remembered as a man whose actions spoke louder than his words. He loved deeply and pursued after peace.
Bob loved his mother Earline Cofer Potts dearly. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his father, Elder Robert Potts Jr; stepmother Mssn. Kathryn Potts; brothers Greg and Rev. Derek (Tracie) Potts; aunts and uncles Elnora McCall; Elder Samuel B. (Rosie) Cofer Sr., Walter Mac Cofer, Delores (Donald) Godbold, Ann (Carl) Jackson, Alma (John) Glover, Ethel and Thelma Cofer; nieces Jessica and Anna Potts; nephew Derek Andrew Potts; great-nephew Jayden Brantley; great-niece Cali Wright; cousins; stepsister Sheryl Webster; stepbrothers Reginald and Sheldon Webster; dear friends including Rev. Matthew Vincent James; and many loving relatives, church family, colleagues and friends.
A FAITHFUL SERVANT’S QUIET LIFE
Robert Potts III (“Bob”) was the eldest son of Elder Robert Potts Jr. and the late Earline Cofer Potts. He was born June 21, 1957 at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. In that year when Bob was six weeks old, with his mother he experienced his first six-hour flight on an American Airlines, four engine, propeller-driven plane to California to join his father who was assigned shipboard duty in Long Beach.
While in California he welcomed the arrival of his two siblings, Greg and Derek. In Los Angeles, young Bob diligently participated in church activities and excelled in school. He was an active member of Bethlehem Church of God Holiness. Bob performed in plays and traveled with the Sunshine Band, sang in choirs, and enjoyed socializing with the Purity Club. He played the accordion on many church programs. Bob played basketball and loved traveling and going fishing with his family. As the eldest, Bob was extremely protective of his two younger brothers. He led by example.
In middle school, Bob got a drafting board and developed a love for drawing. Before graduating from Compton High School, he was selected to study abroad in Europe and learn architecture. Bob continued his interest at the University of Southern California and pursued a lifelong career in architectural design. He worked as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Director for the Landeau Partnership, where he helped design a 100-unit beachfront residential hotel and a 26-story office building. For 11 years Bob was employed as a Project Manager, Architectural Designer and Senior Technical CAD professional at Heery International. His work included technical assistance, document preparation, code compliance, quality assurance and mentoring. More recently he established RP3 Design, using his God-given talent to draw plans for clients and church renovations in Washington and sister churches. He worked closely with his brother Derek on residential and commercial projects until the day the Lord called him home.
More than a decade ago Bob moved from Los Angeles to Maryland. He immediately associated with Bethlehem Church of God Holiness and was later appointed a Senior Deacon. He taught weeknight lessons and assisted the finance committee. In 2013 the Pastors Aid crowned him “King of Bethlehem” for helping to raise funds to support the church. Bob wore his crown with honor and a big smile, and continued to serve diligently. He made coffee for the saints on Sunday mornings, even when he wasn’t assigned to kitchen duty. He left his apron and special tools in the kitchen to help prepare meals for special events. Bob and Rev. Matthew James were known as “Butch and Sundance” on the grill at church picnics and catered events. Bob mastered the art of homemade biscuits and loved baking cakes and cookies. He patiently waited after each service until the last person was gone to lock the building and parking lot gates. He recorded nearly every service. He sang with the senior choir and Male Chorus, and was a frequent soloist on church programs. Bob loved singing old hymns like “Blessed Assurance” and “Never Grow Old,” a cappella or accompanied by his nephew. Affectionately known as “RP3,” Bob enjoyed leading devotional services. He closed testimonies with his signature line: “Peace and blessings to you all.”
Bob was a quiet, kindhearted man who loved family, technology, golf, bow ties and sports. He was the family grill master and DJ, cooking ribs to perfection and assembling hours of music for holiday get-togethers. Bob mastered woodworking as a hobby, creating beautiful, unique pieces of furniture by hand. He was a thoughtful and generous giver. Bob spared no expense on the latest gadgets for loved ones, preferring gifts that support natural, environmental or social causes. He was a man of few words – until you got him talking about the New York Jets, Los Angeles Lakers or USC Trojans. Or about Jesus Christ. Bob spoke boldly about his faith and the impact of Holiness in his life. He is lovingly remembered as a man whose actions spoke louder than his words. He loved deeply and pursued after peace.
Bob loved his mother Earline Cofer Potts dearly. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his father, Elder Robert Potts Jr; stepmother Mssn. Kathryn Potts; brothers Greg and Rev. Derek (Tracie) Potts; aunts and uncles Elnora McCall; Elder Samuel B. (Rosie) Cofer Sr., Walter Mac Cofer, Delores (Donald) Godbold, Ann (Carl) Jackson, Alma (John) Glover, Ethel and Thelma Cofer; nieces Jessica and Anna Potts; nephew Derek Andrew Potts; great-nephew Jayden Brantley; great-niece Cali Wright; cousins; stepsister Sheryl Webster; stepbrothers Reginald and Sheldon Webster; dear friends including Rev. Matthew Vincent James; and many loving relatives, church family, colleagues and friends.