Layman J. Potter Jr.

Layman J. Potter Jr., 82 passed away peacefully at Ohio Hospice of Dayton on Friday, February 9th 2024. Layman was born February 14, 1941 in Coeburn, VA to late Layman Joyce Sr. and Lelia Jean.

At 11 years of age, the family moved to Dayton, Ohio where Layman attended Wayne High School and was a letterman in football, baseball, basketball, track and a member of NHS. Layman attended Miami University of Oxford, OH and graduated with a degree in Mathematics prior to joining the Army in 1963. Following his service time in the Army, Layman began working as a civilian for the Air Force Logistics Command as an Operations Research Analyst at Wright Patterson AFB. There he met and wed Mary Frances Clifford. They dissolved the marriage in 1981, but remained good friends and devoted parents to their children. Following his 30 year career as a civilian, Layman retired from the Air Force in January of 1997.

Throughout his life, Layman enjoyed many forms of music ranging from classical to bluegrass. He taught himself how to play the banjo and built multiple instruments by his own hand. Layman was an enthusiastic astronomer, built his own telescope, and was a member of the Miami Valley Astronomy Club. Layman was an avid numismatist and philatelist. His love of collecting coins and stamps was inherited from his father, who was also a collector. Layman, a lifetime member of the Dayton Kettering Coin Club, served as president in the late 80s and was an active member at the time he passed. Layman is also a lifetime member of the American Philatelic Society, Central States Numismatic Society, and Civil War Token Society. Layman was a loving and devoted brother, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all those that loved him.

He is survived by his children Craig Philip Potter of Centerville, OH; Kristin Jean (Anthony) Taphorn of Kettering, OH; his siblings Larry Joel (Stephanie) Potter of Munster, IN; Lanny Jack (Charlotte) Potter of Bartlett, TN; Leslie James (Lori) Potter of Huber Heights, OH; Lisbeth Jean Borland of Parrish, FL; Lorraine Jill (Richard) Dumont of Winter Haven, FL; Lewis Jeffrey (Kathy) Potter of Beavercreek, OH; his grandchildren Madaline Rose Taphorn, Nathaniel Elliot Taphorn, Kaleb Matthew Taphorn, and Lacianne Josephine Taphorn of Kettering, OH.

Layman was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Luther John Potter.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer - North Dayton Chapel (4104 Needmore Road; Dayton, OH 45424), on February 22, 2024 from 2:00 to 3:00 with a Memorial service to follow.

Layman's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohio Hospice of Dayton or Disabled American Veterans.

To share a memory of Layman or to leave a special message for his family, please click share memories above.