Billy Gerald Poteet, 78, of Shepherdsville, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at Baptist East Hospital.
Bill was born in Smiths Grove, Kentucky to Helen E. (Jordan) and Gerald L. Poteet. After the death of his father, his mother and stepfather, Henry T. Brown, raised him. He moved to Louisville as a teenager, but he had a lifetime love for his hometown and visited often. He graduated from Ahrens Trade School in 1954. After graduation, he was employed by Inland Container Corporation, retiring after 38-1/2 years.
Bill was a member of Cloverleaf Baptist Church. He was an avid model railroader and also traveled to various locations throughout the United States to ride restored trains. He loved eating at Cracker Barrel where he took his wife Thelma on their first date. He was a master Mason, belonging to Plumb Lodge #862, a Kosair Shriner, a member of The Grotto, Hillbilly Clan #3, and an Army Veteran.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and son, Kenneth Poteet.
He is survived by his loving wife, Thelma; son, Randall Poteet; step-sons, Bryan Rigdon and Steve Nathan; sister, Mary Skaggs; granddaughter; Shelby and several nephews and nieces who loved him dearly. Bill never met a stranger and will be missed by so many family and friends.
His service will 2pm Wednesday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens, West . Visitation will be 1-8pm Monday and Tuesday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made Kosair Charities or to the Kentucky Railway Museum, 136 S Main St, New Haven, KY 40051.