Emory Montgomery Potter, 85, of Lexington, died Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at his home.

He was born September 28, 1922 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Ray Lee Potter, Sr. and Nadine Montgomery Potter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Ray Lee Potter, Jr. and Charles Asbury Potter, Sr.

He was a graduate of Effinger High School, class of 1940; was a 1947 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in General Science and was a 1963 graduate of the University of Virginia with a Masters of Education degree.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, where he served 23 months in the European Theatre of Operations, 8 month of which were with the 4th Infantry Division as a Platoon Commander.

He commanded a Rifle Platoon (40 men) during combat and was responsible for training, defense measures and tactical employment.

Mr. Potter participated in Northern France and Rhineland Campaigns.

He served as Company Commander and Executive Officer of a Labor Supervision Company and was responsible for the administration and supply of approximately 1200 German prisoners of war in a prisoner of war camp in France for 9 months.

He served as an enlisted man from April 7, 1943 to April 11, 1944. He was decorated with a Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Potter had a 40 year career as a teacher in Rockbridge County Schools.

As a member of the Collierstwon Presbyterian Church, he served as Deacon, Elder, Church Treasurer, Cemetery Committee Chairman, Youth Group Advisor and Sunday school teacher.

He was a charter member of the Effinger Rurital Club, holding all major offices at the club and the Natural Bridge District levels.

He was a member and president of the Rockbridge Education Association, member of the Retired Teachers Association, and was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

Mr. Potter was an American Red Cross Volunteer, a 4-H member and 4-H volunteer leader, Virginia 4-H Honorary All Star, member of VFW Post 1499 and Elections Board Officer for the Effinger Voting Precinct.

He was also the Collierstown news reporter for the News-Gazette.

Surviving are his wife, Bessie Mae Greever Potter, whom he married August 11, 1949; two daughters: Deborah Potter McCormick and husband, Reese, Lexington; and Donna Sue Potter, Somers, NY; a son, Emory Montgomery Potter, Jr., Lexington; three grandchildren: Rebecca Anne McCormick, David Reese McCormick and Stephen Emory McCormick.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church with Rev. Skip Hastings and Rev. Gary Short officiating. Burial will be in the Collierstown Presbyterian Cemetery with full military rites.

Contributions may be made to the Effinger First Responders, 2824 Collierstown Road, Lexington, Va 24450; Collierstown Presbyterian Church or the Collierstown Presbyterian Cemetery, 31 Church Dr., Lexington, VA 24450.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2008 at the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.