Michael Dan Potter

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Michael Dan Potter, 64, of Bayboro passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

He attended Ferrum College and later graduated from East Tennessee State University. Captain Mike, as he was known, ran the F/V Jane Carolyn and worked as a commercial fisherman all his life.

He is preceded in death by his niece, Tamara “Tammy” Potter.

He is survived by his parents, Carol and Birdie Potter; brother, Clyde Potter; sister, Jane Potter; niece, McKenzie Lewis and husband, Ryan; nephews, Jake and Zac Whitley; and great-nephew, Dawson Chenault.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7th at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Blaney Rowe and the Rev. Earl Sadler, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow immediately in Lowland Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. for those who cannot attend, the service will be streamed live at danielssadlerfunerals.com on his obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to N.C. Fisheries Association, PO Box 86 Morehead City, NC 28557.

As some have said, Mike loved the sea and was a master of the waters. He was a competitive fisherman and enjoyed the excitement of every catch his nets and dredges delivered. He valued his crew members greatly; some shared stories about Captain Mike, the mighty and courageous one. Through forty years at sea, Mike and his crew experienced several weather-induced catastrophic events, including the near sinking of the vessel Gentle Breeze, storm waves washing out the windows, saving the lives of other boat crews, and helping retrieve those lost at sea. Captain Mike lived life abundantly and loved his family and friends with everything he had. A legend, as some have defined, a man full of life with a bit of mischief, and yet so humble. To know Mike was to know you were appreciated, you had a friend, were cared for, and your life mattered.  His Aunt Betty Jo said, “Mike left a beautiful impression on everyone he met”. She was right in that statement, and he continued to touch those around him throughout his fight with cancer. His motivation throughout this new challenge was that he would do everything possible to make things right with the people in his life, no matter what. He faced many setbacks throughout his journey but managed to outsmart his doctors time and time again, up until the end. He was selfless, loving, and generous to everyone around him, and never knew a stranger, much like his mama. He showed everyone around him compassion and was always ready to help someone when needed. Mike loved hard, loved deeply, and never failed to make you smile, even when he probably needed it the most. We love him so much and will miss him greatly, but know he is in a better place than us, and can’t wait to see him again.