Richard Lee Potter
Obituary

Richard Lee Potter, affectionately called “Ricky” by all who knew and loved him, was born on January 11, 1963 to Marvin and Janet Penn Potter. From the very beginning, Ricky brought a bright spirit and boundless curiosity to the world, forever, leaving a mark on those around him.

Ricky enjoyed playing pranks on siblings and cousins. There were always lots of laughs and dinners with family at Grandma’s house on the weekends. Every summer, all of the cousins spent a week in Fresno, CA in a family reunion setting. Everyone would swim, would play The TOP 40, sing songs, tell jokes, and watch TV.

Ricky’s love for music and the ocean was matched only by his adventurous heart. He spent most of his childhood surfing along the California coastline with friends. He loved the beach, as well as taking apart radios, toys, and watches, just to see how they worked. And, he could miraculously put them back together and have them working the way they were before. 

After high school, he married Lesley Lehrack, and together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Nicole Thompson and Chelsie Shields. They enjoyed visiting their grandfather and cousins in California as well as trips to the California coast.

 Later, in Texas, Ricky married Daphne Stout, and they welcomed two sons, Ethan Niles Potter, and Seth Alexander Potter. Ricky enjoyed every moment with his sons from cheering them on at baseball games, to building model aircrafts and assembling computers together. These cherished memories will remain with them forever. 

Ricky’s passion for learning never faded. He poured himself into the robotics industry, where he became a mentor to many. He was a brilliant man. He also had a strong love for music & entertaining. He loved playing the guitar and cooking. His Chili Verde was a favorite of many. 

Ricky passed away July 16,2027. He is survived by his father, mother, and stepmother “MaSue”, siblings Marvin Potter, Theresa Lavin, James Potter, Catherine Jacobson, Frank Pacheco, Larry Ruckman, his four children, Nicole Thompson, Chelsie Shields, Ethan Niles Potter, Seth Alexander Potter, and his nine grandchildren: Dylan, Emily, Scarlett, Alexandra, & Ash Phillips, Enzo & Lucio Thompson, Mc Coy & Bree Shields. 

He will be cremated, and per his last wish, his ashes will be spread over the ocean in Newport Beach where he spent so much time

 In Ricky’s memory, do this everyday: Turn up the Rock ‘n’ Roll, Put your feet in the sand, Be kind to your family and friends, and live life to the fullest.