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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, January 25, 2016,
from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home.
Curtis was born on April 18, 1940 in Cross Plains, 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, 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.
In 1984, Curtis 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. He is a member
of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Western Swing Hall of Fame.
Curtis attended Westgate Church of Christ.
In 2005 he joined Heart of Texas records releasing 6 projects. His last professional appearance
was December 31, 2015 in Brady, TX.
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.
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