LCDR Nicholas Thomas Potts of Lexington Park, loving father, grandfather and friend went to be with the Lord on July 3, 2012 at Coastal Hospice, Salisbury, Md. Born Aug. 11, 1923, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Nicholas Thomas Potts and Willie Osbourne Potts.

He is survived by six children: Barbara Jo Vaughan of Stuttgart, Ark., Nicholas Thomas Potts of Lexington Park, Md., Lynn Marie Kelly of Berlin, Md., Janet Lee Olson of Lexington Park, Md., Judy Ann Potts of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and Robert Edward Potts of River View, Fla. He also leaves behind his beloved twelve grandchildren: Michael Carl Shores, Steven Thomas Potts, Nicholas Thomas Potts, Neely Marie Quillin, Kevin Lee Sides, MacKenzie Marie Kelly, Kacie Aubrey Lynn Kelly, Kimberly Ann Kelly, Jennifer Lynn Olson, John Glenn Olson, Melissa Ann Olson, and Emily Marie Olson, as well as thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Marie Zawislak Potts (Aug. 1988), brother, John Edward Potts, and sister, Aubrey Ann Potts Spoelker.

LCDR Nicholas Potts' (US Navy RET) career in the Navy spanned over 45 illustrious years. He first joined the Navy in 1940 as an enlisted Machinist Mate, qualifying as a jet engine mechanic on several Navy aircraft. He served as a flight engineer and deployed all over the world with Patrol Bombing Squadron 74 and Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two. He was selected in 1957 to become one of the Navy's first Limited Duty Officers and he used his machinist mate expertise in leading several test and evaluation facilities. He set up the first jet engine repair shop.

Upon retiring from the Navy after 27 years of active-duty service, LCDR Potts served as the Navy's first civilian Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River. He finally retired in 1985 and settled in St Mary's County with his family.

Nick enjoyed sharing stories of his time in the Navy and was quite the comedian. He was humble and so grateful in regards to all the Navy had benefited him and his family during his long life span, stating this often with heartfelt sentiment. He treasured spending time with his family and friends, making lasting family memories. All the grandchildren respectfully addressed him as, "Grandfather." He spent his younger days hunting, fishing, and traveling the world. He was an avid, happy camper, while "roughing it smoothly" in his motor home. Photography and videophotography hobbies captured many Kodak moments of his life's adventure.

Upon his retirement in August 1985, the commanding officer issued a proclamation declaring that day be named, Patuxent River Naval Air Station ~ " NAS Potts River Day !" Just last September, Nick graciously hosted, his World War II Squadron VPB-74 reunion at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and the River's Edge Conference Center. The 100th Year Anniversary (1911-2011) of Naval Aviation celebration was a great weekend of honoring all military vets. Admiral Mahr presented signed proclamations honoring these Navy war heroes, as well, long time friend, Senator Roy Dyson and St. Mary's County Commissioner, President Jack Russell expressed their sincere thanks to the World War II service men for preserving our freedom in America. The Navy's own elite flight squadron, the Blue Angels performed their thrilling maneuvers with spectacular grace. At Meet the Performers Night, the pilots of various flight teams shook hands and spoke words of admirable respect to the servicemen for paving the way to current aviation advancement. Nick was pleased to have been part of helping make a fine memory for his fellow shipmates/ comrades.

He was a lifelong member of the NRA, A Distinguished Kentucky Colonel,Supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project, Member of Elk's Lodge BPOE #2092 , Fleet Reserve Association Branch # 93, Lexington Park Fraternal Order of Police #7, American Legion Post #197, VFW Post #2632, and many other community organizations were dear to his heart.

His revered collection of over 100 model navy airplanes are being displayed at the Glen L. Martin Museum, Middle River, Md. Friend and aerial photographer, Stan Piet, (museum curator) has been highly instrumental in the historical preservation and the capturing of Nick's life accomplishments. In future years, the plane displays and career memorabilia will be shared in the "future" new museum on route 235. How exciting this was to Nick. Trust and believe he will be keeping an eye on the fruition of this great undertaking. Capt. Ed Foresman, Mari Rondeau, Don House and many other museum volunteers are doing an awesome job.

Immaculate Heart Of Mary Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and South Point Church are places of worship and praise he enjoyed attending over the years. Various church and firehouse dinners saw Nick's enthusiasm while indulging in their scrumptious fried oysters, crabcakes, and Stuffed Ham. His love for the Lord was displayed by being a very friendly and generous man to all he knew and met.

A Celebration of Life/ Memorial Service for our hero Nicholas T. Potts. Our Dad, Grandfather, Uncle Nick, Shipmate, and friend, will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 7 pm, at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, Md. 20653. Internment at the Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date. Full military honors will be extended.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Association in Memory of LCDR Nicholas T. Potts, for the New Museum Building fund, www.paxmuseum.com./ or to the www.woundedwarriorproject.org foundation.