Dale Jerome Potts

1928-2004

Dale Jerome Potts of Manassas, better known to friends as "Pottsy" passed away March 21, 2004.

He was born in 1928, in Indianola, the son of Clarence and Rozella Hall Potts.

Throughout his life, Dale was know for bending the rules; in high school, at a time when typing was considered strictly a female occupation, he enrolled as the only boy in a typing class in order to meet girls, this was a decision that affected the rest of his life.

With his mother's permission, Dale enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Because of his typing skills, he was assigned duty as a signal radio operator. At age 21, he left the Navy and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served with the Army Security Agency in signal intelligence. His military career spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict and took him to many parts of the world including Sokcho Ri, Korea, Phu Bai Vietnam, Baghdad, Iraq, Tehran, Iran, and Kyota, Japan, where he resided for nine years.

Throughout his years of service, he earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation and Meritorious Service and Joint Services medals.

Shortly after retiring from the Army at the rank of Master Sergeant in 1974, Dale began a new career with the Prince William County Sheriff's Department.

He was later involved in the planning of the new jail facility and transferred to the Adult Detention Center in 1987.

Dale was a member of the American Legion Post 10 and loved fixing things around the house, making pies, hiding Easter eggs for his grandchildren and catering to his spoiled dogs, Spike and Taz.

Dale leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Jeanne Potts and his three children, Dale Marie and Stephen J. Potts of Manassas and Neil T. Potts and wife, Sandra of Front Royal. Also surviving are his five grandchildren, Andrew, Nathan, Amanda, and Kelsea Potts of Front Royal and Trenton Potts of Manassas; one sister, Norma Helm of Indianola; one brother, James Potts of Upland, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends at Lee Funeral Home in Manassas March 24. Funeral services were Thursday, March 25.

Interment is Tuesday, 1 p.m., at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Manassas City Volunteer Rescue Squad, 9322 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110.

Cards will reach the family at 8620 Liberia Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.