Mike Potter

Michael James Potter awakened to eternal life on March 14, 2017. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Mike was born June 24, 1957 in McAllen, Texas. He attended Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas, and as a young man, put himself through college, pursuing a degree in Engineering at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Mike worked 22 years for the Pennzoil Company, where he began his career in South Texas in 1977.  Initially a roustabout, he was regularly promoted throughout his career, achieving the level of Production Superintendent of the North Permian region.When the company was acquired by a third party, Mike worked for two years as a consultant in the coalbed methane play of New Mexico.  In 2001, Mike became a partner in Stallion Energy, where he served as Operations Manager covering the Permian Basin and Texas Panhandle areas.  He worked tirelessly to improve operations in each of the many properties acquired by the company over a three-year period, leading to its successful sale in 2004.  Mike went on to work for Stallion Energy II, a venture involving the giant Texas Panhandle Field.  Continuing his role as Operations Manager, he made recommendations which revolutionized management of the field.  Mike’s brilliant mind, a passion for hard work, and his knack for improving production operations made him essential to the success of the company.  In 2007, Stallion II was sold and Mike retired from the oil and gas industry, loved and deeply respected by everyone who had worked with him.

Mike’s fascination with nature and the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. He spent a great deal of his retirement years working and enjoying himself at his ranch in Ballinger, Texas, which also served as a frequent place of gathering for beloved family and friends. Growing up as a gifted and competitive swimmer, his genuine love for exercise carried on throughout his life. Whether it was swimming, biking, hiking or the “occasional” round of golf, he maintained a healthy lifestyle. Mike, along with his wife Stacey and two dogs, Coco and Addie, fulfilled a lifelong dream of RV traveling; having visited many beautiful states and national parks, he passionately recounted these experiences with anyone who shared an interest. Mike had a unique zest for life, and genuine thirst for knowledge concerning an array of topics. He could engage in a conversation on just about anything, and subsequently captivate his audience with his wit and charm. Among his greatest loves in life were his family. He enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews about the world, always taking pride in the simple pleasures it had to offer.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Walter Potter, and brother Steven Patrick Potter.

Mike is survived by his adored wife Stacey of Lubbock; daughter Adrienne Gasiorowski and her husband Scott of Corpus Christi, and their children James Patrick (J.P.) (6) and Emma (1); daughter Sara Miller and her husband Sean of Corpus Christi, and their children Bryn (2) and Maya (3 months); son Tyler Morris of Lubbock; mother Rosemary Potter of Houston; brother John Potter and his wife Delaney of Houston; sister Mary Ellen Sellars and her husband Randy of Austin; many cherished nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Patricia Forehand of Victoria; sister-in-law Allison Adams and husband Curtis and family of Corpus Christi; sister-in-law Leslie Hodges and family of Austin; along with many other extended family members.