Curtis Potter

Curtis Ray Potter, 75, of Abilene passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 in Abilene.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home.

Curtis was born on April 18, 1940 in Cross Plaines, TX to the late Lee Potter and Annie Simons Potter. He was one of seven children and the last surviving child of Lee and Annie. He married Pat Bratton on June 23, 1960 in Abilene, TX. They shared 55 wonderful years together.

Curtis at the age of 16, Potter was given his own radio television show on KRBC in Abilene and was part of the Bill Fox and Slim Willet shows. In 1959, Potter joined the Hank Thompson organization. Thompson was impressed with the young vocalist and invited him to front the Brazos Valley Band and play bass guitar for him. In the thirteen years that Potter was with Hank, he traveled all over the United States, Europe, the Far East and even a much sought after Carnegie Hall appearance. Potter's first major hit was "You Comb Her Hair Every Morning" recorded on Dot Records and released May of 1969. That song would gather enough attention to become the catalyst of a forty five year recording career.

In 1973, Capitol Records released Potter's shuffle "Walkin' Talkin' Breathin' Case of Sorrow". It was followed by a Texas Dance Hall album with Darrell McCall and Ray Sanders. In 1978, Dave Franer signed Curtis to Hillside Records releasing two very successful projects.In 1984, Potter helped to form Step One Records in Nashville. Step One would become the largest independent label in the world releasing projects on Gene Watson, Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Hank Thompson and Clinton Gregory. Potter and Willie Nelson had a number one video on Step One Records in 1995. "Turn Me Loose And Let Me Swing" was taken from the album "Six Hours At The Pedernales" and teamed Potter and Nelson recording twelve songs in a six hour session at Nelson‘s studio.

In 2005, Potter signed with Heart of Texas Records. Potter released "Them Old Honky Tonks" "Chicago Dancing Girls" "Down In Texas Today" and "The Potter's Touch." He also recorded two projects with Tony Booth and Darrell McCall under the name "The Survivors." His last album "Songs Of The Cherokee Cowboy" was a tribute to his hero Ray Price. Nelson joined Potter once again in the studio to record the title track for the album. Potter's last professional appearance was on December 31, with McCall at the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady, Texas.

Curtis is survived by his wife Pat and children, James Potter and wife Sharon of Abilene, Sharlotte Smith and husband Dave of Abilene, Shane Potter and wife Mary of Abilene, Rozlyn Froid and husband Vince of Burleson; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum, 1701 South Bridge Brady, TX., 76825.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Monday, January 25, 2016
6:00 to 8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
1701 South Bridge
Brady, TX  76825