David Wayne Potter

David Wayne Potter died Sunday, April 18, at his home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 60. David was born in Houston on November 23rd, 1960 and was the son of Clydus Jean (Peggy) and Gordon T. Potter. He went to Spring Branch High School in Houston and attended the University of Texas in Austin.

David’s focus was always social justice and equity. His career choices reflected those interests. He worked as a staff assistant for Congressman Jake Pickle and later for Congressman Lloyd Doggett, both of whom he greatly admired. Peggy Pickle said “Dave was a valued member of the Pickle staff. His quiet and unassuming nature hid a resolute nature and the desire to serve the citizens of Texas' Tenth Congressional District. If Dave was your case worker, you were in good hands.”

For the past twenty years, David was Neighborhood Development Program Manager in the City of Austin. One colleague said, “He was the 'go to' person at the housing department at the City and so many of us depended on his advocacy to make things happen in affordable housing. He had a special interest in serving the needs of individuals with disabilities and helped us navigate a confusing system.”

David received the City of Austin Distinguished Service Award in 2015 for his work in making Austin the most livable city in the U.S. David went to Washington DC in 2016 to receive the Robert C. Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award for his department’s work on affordable housing. The award celebrates exemplary efforts of public policy leaders to expand affordable housing. Mayor Steve Adler proclaimed David Potter Day in Austin, February 15, 2018, immediately before David’s retirement. Among many accolades, the Mayor applauded David’s success developing partnerships and establishing more than 8000 affordable units. In addition, he said “… David has been an extraordinary role model to those that have worked alongside him. He is an outstanding professional mentor, teacher and colleague, known for his pleasant disposition, helpfulness and just a contagious sense of humor. His legacy and inspiration will remain but his friendship and company will be missed by all those who work with him.”

True to character, David’s response, “So many times we focus on statistics and numbers of housing units produced, but we always need to remember each of those units house people, and every person therein has a story to tell. So that's my story. I sincerely thank you for this honor and let's work to make every day David Potter day.”

David’s long-time partner was the late Brigadier General Virgil Richard who, along with two other high-ranking military officials, led the charge for repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military directive. He and Virgil traveled frequently in the U.S. and internationally. The beach was their favorite and most peaceful place. David also loved traveling with friends and family to many places in Europe. His spontaneity, curiosity, and fun-loving spirit served him well in these ventures.

David is survived by his brother Michael Burr from Longmont, Colorado; sister Sandra Lee Potter Buchanan, Houston, Texas; brother William Randall Potter, Mount Vernon, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion and best friend, Ira High.

A Memorial Service will be held at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, Saturday, April 24, 2021. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines, observed.

Donations in David’s name can be made to the Unity School of Christianity, Unity Village, Jackson County, Missouri, www.unity.org.