Ray B. Potter

Age 47, passed away on July 16, 2012. He was born October 3, 1964, in Lansing, the son of Ray A. and Geraldine Potter.  Ray was a 1982 graduate of Eastern High School and served in the U.S. Air Force.  Ray had a God given talent that brought joy to many in churches and other venues. He is survived by his parents; 4 children, Ray Emmanuel, Jordan and Alayna and Landon; 2 brothers, Gerald (Lisa), and Frederick (Penny); 4 sisters, Patricia, Sandra, Brenda, Marsha; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Tabernacle of David Church, 2645 W. Holmes Rd., Lansing, with the Rev. Dr. Lonnie Chipp, eulogizing. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 27 at the Estes-Leadley Great Lansing Chapel.  Family hour will be held Saturday 1/2 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Voices of Harmony, 2105 Boxwood Lane, Lansing, MI 48917 in memory of Ray B. Potter.

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40 Messages to “Ray B. Potter

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Robert and Cheryl Vaughn
July 20, 2012 at 6:28 am

Words cannot express the sadness of our hearts. We will always remember when you came into our lives and blessed us with your musical talent. Prayers of comfort to all who loved you. May God truly hold your family in the palms of His hands and comfort the grieving hearts.

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Julia Kloeckner-Lighthiser
July 20, 2012 at 10:32 am

God blessed us with Ray. God blessed Ray with a huge heart filled with love and talent. Ray is already so so missed. Ray Potter will forever live in my heart. Much love and prayers.

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omar woods
July 20, 2012 at 2:53 pm

We love u Ray and I wanna thank u for all the memories u left us with,may you rest in paridice and be gods favorite voice love you brother.

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Steve Jamison
July 20, 2012 at 3:33 pm

To my Aunt, and Family, I love you all. Bernard(Ray) was a true blessing to many. May God Bless and keep everyone.

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Terrence & Cynthia King
July 20, 2012 at 5:24 pm

We are deeply saddened to hear of our brother’s passing. We join the family during this time of mourning and call on the Comforter. Jesus we lift you up as we need you to draw this family to you. Thank you for healing the broken hearts.

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Leta Massingill
July 20, 2012 at 11:55 pm

To all of the loved ones in the Potter Family may God bless and comfort you during this very difficult time. Ray was truly an inspiration to all . . . he will be missed.

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Martin Quintero
July 20, 2012 at 11:55 pm

We will always remember you Ray… God Bless You and your family.

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Pastor Damon & Mrs. Marla Milton
July 21, 2012 at 6:32 pm

Our hearts are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Mr. Ray Potter. Our prayers go out to the family during this time of bereavement. There is no earthly sorrow that heaven cannot heal. We are praying for you.

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Maggie Ramsey
July 22, 2012 at 8:57 am

Ray,

What a beautiful soul you are and have always been. You were always giving of yourself and time to others. You will sorely be missed in this community as you move on to our heavenly home with the father we all long to see. My heart go out to your family at this time. They can be very proud of you and the life you’ve lived.

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Min. Yolanda Stephens
July 22, 2012 at 9:12 am

To the family of Ray Potter III, I had the awesome pleasure of meeting him many years ago at the lounge in the old Harley Hotel….there he was using his awesome gifts of singing and playing the keyboards….being a music fan I called myself quietly singing background vocals for him, but nope, Ray heard me and this is where our friendship began.

We would meet up a few years later at a community event at St. Stephens UCC church and there, again, he shared his wonderful gift of song and playing….in fact, after the function it was myself, Pastor Michael C. Murphy, Ray and and few other gentlemen that congrated to the sanctuary to have praise and worship service. I must say that the spirit of the Lord was present!! There are so many other instances where Ray and I got to interact with our gifts, too numerous to mention.

Thanks be to God that He blessed us with his child “Ray.” Family, please know that God makes no mistakes and so we must trust and believe that everything that God does is in divine order. As you go through the griefing process, don’t focus on the fact that Ray in the physical is gone, but focus on all the wonderful memories that he had with each of you individually and collectively. Please know that Ray is still with you, just in the spirit. Celebrate his life, because he did know and have a personal relationship with God! And for that alone, makes it a reason to celebrate. May God’s blessings be upon each of you….again, thank you for sharing your love one with so many people. Be blessed

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Tyre Hawkins
July 22, 2012 at 9:23 am

My family and I were saddened to hear the passing of a wonderfully blessed and talented man, Mr. Ray Potter. May your family forever be comforted in knowning he’s in a place where we all want to someday be, with our Heavenly Father. May God comfort and keep the Potter family during this sad time and always.
Our prayers go out to all of you.

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Lori Rathbun
July 22, 2012 at 4:46 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with the Potter family. The Lord will guide you and keep you strong in this difficult time. Ray will forever be in your hearts and memories.

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Denise Richey
July 22, 2012 at 10:21 pm

My love, thoughts and prayers being sent to the entire Potter family. Ray was a dear friend and a wonderful man. He was blessed with a beautiful family and children; all of whom he was proud. My heart is heavy and saddened by his sudden passing, but in physical presence only. We have memories, songs and his love to cherish for many years to come. Mr. & Mrs. Potter, thank you for sharing your son with us and most of all: God, thank you for giving him your open arms and loving heart to rest upon. God bless you. I love you my friend, Ray and know you will always hold that special place in my heart and soul. There’s a ribbon in the sky for always with your name on it.

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Marcus & Cassandra Lewis
July 23, 2012 at 9:51 am

To the Family of Ray B. Potter:

We are deeply saddened to hear of your unexpected loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God’s grace and mercy comfort each of you during this difficult time.

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Frank and Jennfer Mena
July 23, 2012 at 3:32 pm

Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and hope that wonderful memories and strong faith provide some comfort in these difficult days.

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carolyn myers \ family
July 23, 2012 at 5:18 pm

may our heavely father hold you and family very close during this painful time in your life,our prayers of love and strenght will continue to be with you.

with lots of love The Myers

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Dee Freeman
July 23, 2012 at 9:20 pm

Our hearts are heavy; paining from this sad and untimely occasion.
May God Almighty wrap His loving arms around you the bereaved Potter family; giving you strength like never before. Our prayers are with each of you.
We loved Ray like a brother and will continue to hold him dear in our
hearts. We are here, if you need us.
Dee and Myron.

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Herschel &Verna Ridgers
July 23, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Are prayers are with you in your time of loss we truly think God for the gift he bless you with .alway think God for time that he gave him and all the people he touch with his life

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Laurie (Rose) Eierman
July 23, 2012 at 11:07 pm

So very sad..my heart goes out to his family. I know he is using his awesome talent to sing with Angels above .He will live on in the hearts of many.

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Apeil Brown
July 24, 2012 at 7:54 am

My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, children and his family. GOD will help you through tid difficult time.

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Kristen Kinney
July 24, 2012 at 9:26 am

I am still at a loss of words… What we see as someone whose time came too soon, is God’s child, and God needed him home. Rest in peace Ray and may your family, friends and fans find comfort in knowing that your voice is being heard by angels. You will missed, Ray….

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Billy Tappin/aka/ Goldie Love
July 24, 2012 at 11:45 am

To the family. Words can’t. Express what my feeling are at this moment. Ray was a very special person and a true friend. When I was waiting for a heart at the University of Michigan, Ray always called to make sure I was ok. With Ray it was always humorous and fun. He will be truly missed by me. To the Family my prayer will alway be with you.

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Dan and Brenda Enghoffer
July 24, 2012 at 11:51 am

We will truly miss Ray. I’ve know him since High School were he was a prangster. He was a good friend. I saw him from time to time and we would just start cracking up and telling old stories. God bless his Family in this time of need.

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Sue Segueda
July 24, 2012 at 2:13 pm

Ray I know I didn’t know you very well, but I know you were an awesome performer. I’ll never forget you playing for my Birthday Party last year. You will be missed.

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Billy Tappin/aka/ Goldie Love
July 24, 2012 at 5:36 pm

As I sit back and think about my Dear friend StingRay Potter. Words cannot express my feelings of sadness. Even in time of death we know there is life, and I know my friend knew God. Ray was there for me in my time of need as I sat in the hospital waiting for my heart. I remember when I came home, I wasn’t home an hour when Ray came to see me. We laugh and talked as we talk about my project. I almost saw heaven 2 soon. I bet Ray was with me for 4hrs. I know when I was in need he was there! So to the family my prayers go out to you. I pray for strenght. May God be with you. If there is anything I can do, let me know.

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Jan E.Smith
July 25, 2012 at 12:18 am

Ray Ray, We meant each other jus under a yr.ago. But spent many meaningful hrs.together talking about visiting Fla.together n furthering ur singing career..Look over me an my travels returning to Fla.hopefully ..Ull be in my heart n thoughts always..”GONE TO SOON ! ” C U ON THE OTHERSIDE! Luv, Jan/Sun Bunni

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Patricia Carter
July 25, 2012 at 5:04 am

I remember Ray as a nice person he played @ my son funeral and it was nice. He will be missed. Donald and Patricia Carter

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Ms. Diane Johnson Terrell & Old Path Family
July 25, 2012 at 10:44 am

Dear Friends, Bro. Ray and Missionary Geraldine Potter,

Sending our love and prayers of support to you and your family during this time. When we heard the news about your son, Ray, even though we did not know him personally, we know from your lives, that Ray could not help but be an outstanding and gifted young man.

Be encouraged and trust God. Ray’s living was not in vain and he apparently was used mightily of God to touch and impact the lives of people around him. What a legacy to leave.

Old Path Miracle Cathedral, Vallejo, CA, your other church family, and the Johnson family, we LOVE YOU and are praying for you daily that God will shower his choice blessings down on you and your family during this time of bereavement. Blessings…

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michael/debbie johnson
July 25, 2012 at 6:57 pm

Our love and prayers are with all of the Potter family. A special family indeed. May God bring comfort to you all during this difficult time.

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Walter and T ammy Bennefield
July 26, 2012 at 10:18 am

Our condolences to the family, our hearts go out to you. His many talents will live on.

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From his fans! !
July 26, 2012 at 12:10 pm

Ray Ray….From everyone that was so fortunate to c u sing / entertain at the local venues, well miss u more than words can ever say! ! I know personally how very proud u are of ur daughter Alayna an her beautiful singing ..Hopefully she’ll b able to continue with her singing. ” Rest In Peace “

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Shawn & Donal Powe
July 26, 2012 at 4:30 pm

When something this sudden happens to one of our own local CELEBRITIES, it hits our small music community REALLY HARD. Ray was a RARE TALENT.R.I.P. MY FRIEND.

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Pastor Larry Neal & Julia Trice
July 26, 2012 at 6:31 pm

Our condolences to the Potter family. Bro. Ray was a talented faithful musician during his tenure at Holy Temple. May God bless and comfort you at this time.

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Ruby J.
July 26, 2012 at 8:43 pm

It was truly a blessing to know Ray. He worked with us one summer with the City of Lansing, Parks and Rec. There was an written order for a piano to be moved from one of the centers. Ray asked our supervisor if we could keep the piano in the Vector Bldg. Our supervisor answered “yes”. He made that 20 plus year old piano sing as if it was new off the market. He also invited us to come and hear him sing. He was a wonder man of God, beautiful voice, and a great entertainer Thank you for sharing him to those who loved him. We will be miss. May God continue to bless you and your family always.

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DOCIE "TINY" BROOKS
July 27, 2012 at 2:51 pm

My prayers are with you Sis. Potter & family. May God continue to give you strength through your time of sorrow.

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Linda Gardner
July 28, 2012 at 9:19 am

God is the God of all comfort. My sincere condolences to Sister Geraldine and family.

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Tim and Lorann Cunningham
July 31, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Our most sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you and give you strength. Ray was an extremely talented individual and we will never forget the wonderful heart and smile he possessed. Love and Blessings!

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Ray, e potter
December 2, 2012 at 3:20 pm

to my father and best freind, words canot describe the void i feel without you, not a day goes by that i do not miss you greatly,, from the bottom of my heart untill we meet again rest in peace dad,, love you.. your son Ray E potter

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F. Jackson
July 22, 2014 at 9:49 am

So sad to hear of your passing, we served together at Cannon Air Force Base, our dorm rooms were right next to each other. you were a very talented human being with a big heart, I wished we could have stayed in touch over the years, Gob Bless your family, and I pray he continues to give them strength.

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Dominique McGhee
October 3, 2014 at 6:31 am

Happy Birthday Ray….God Bless You and your Family

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