Victor Barton "Skip" Potts' Obituary
Victor Barton “Skip” Potts, age 76, passed away peacefully with family at his side, on March 12, 2026, at 5:07 PM ET, He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory and a lifetime of laughter that will never be forgotten.
Skip is survived by his devoted wife, Marcia Rose (Brees)Potts, whom he married in December 1971, and their son, Edward (Michele) Potts.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Cynthia Potts Kotvasz; his parents, Martha (Donald F.) Krup and Harry Victor “Vic” (Dorothy) Potts; and his sister, Peneloppe “Penny” McBride. Each of them played an important role in his life, and he carried their love and guidance with him always. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now reunited with them.
Skip also leaves behind four siblings who will deeply miss him: Donald “Donnie” (Patti) Krup, Mary Jane “Janey” (Greg) Brummett, Angel Barber, and William “Willy” (Tanja) Krup.
Victor “Skip” was a proud and devoted grandfather to Helen Potts, Brooklyn Potts, and Alexander Potts, each of whom held a very special place in his heart. Helen shared an especially close bond with her grandfather, as Skip lovingly helped raise her and was a constant guiding presence in her life, serving not only as her grandfather but also as a father figure. Their relationship was one of deep love, support, and pride that Skip cherished throughout his life.
He also remained actively involved in the lives of Brooklyn and Alexander, taking great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing in the everyday moments that meant the most. Skip loved his grandchildren deeply and found some of his greatest happiness in being part of their lives.
Just as he guided and mentored those he served alongside during his years in the Navy, Skip carried that same leadership, wisdom, and encouragement into his role as a grandfather, always offering steady support, laughter, and lessons that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Luke, Layne, and Leah Dill, whom he adored and spoke of often with pride and love. His family, across generations, was one of his greatest blessings and something he was immensely proud of.
To know Skip was to know laughter. His sharp wit, perfectly timed humor, and playful spirit could light up any room. Even during life’s most difficult moments, he had a remarkable way of making others smile and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. His humor and ability to lift the spirits of those around him will remain one of the many unforgettable gifts he shared with the people who loved him.
Skip was deeply proud of his service to his country. He served honorably in the United States Navy for 24 years, retiring as an E-8 Senior Chief in 1991. During his extraordinary military career, he received numerous medals, decorations, and awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Battle “E” Award, National Defense Service Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, and Sea Service Instructor designation.
Throughout his time in the Navy, Skip served as a C-130/EC-130 Flight Engineer and C-130 Systems Organizational Maintenance Technician. He also worked as an aircraft mechanic on C-121, H-34, C-118, C-131, and C-130 aircraft, served as a flight mechanic on the C-121, and later as a flight engineer on the C-130.
His service allowed him to travel extensively around the world. During his Navy career, he was stationed in Rhode Island, Virginia, California, Hawaii, Maryland, and the Philippines, and deployed to many locations including American Samoa, New Zealand, Antarctica, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Guam, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, England, Spain, Lajes, Bermuda, Chile, Hong Kong, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Skip moved to Florida, where he continued his passion for aviation and service by working as a C-130 Flight Crew Instructor. In this role, he trained and instructed crews from around the world, including those from the United States Navy, Belgium Air Force, Netherlands Air Force, Denmark Air Force, Saudi Arabia Air Force, UAE Air Force, South Africa Air Force, Botswana Air Force, Brazil Air Force, Taiwan Air Force, Korea Air Force, Tepper Aviation, NCAR, and the Japan Navy. He remained proud to stay connected to the military community and to continue serving his country through his knowledge and experience.
When asked what he was most proud of, Skip would never hesitate in his answer. First and foremost, it was always his family. Close behind was the honor he felt in having served his country.
Victor “Skip” Potts lived a life defined by honor, dedication, and love. He served his country with pride and distinction, and he served his family with even greater devotion. Through decades of military service, countless miles traveled across the world, and the many lives he touched along the way, Skip left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though his watch has now ended, the legacy of his service, his laughter, and his unwavering love for his family will continue to live on.
Fair winds and following seas, Senior Chief. Your duty is complete, but your memory will forever guide and inspire those who loved you.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 25th at 11am at Trinity Memorial Gardens with a reception to follow.
To view services via livestream, please click the link below:
https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/4BLSW6
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