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Carl Robert Poteet

July 23, 1931 to November 22, 2020

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Carl, age 89, peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 22, 2020 at Honorhealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his wife Burnis “Beanie” Edna Poteet (Hittle). He is survived by his daughters Mechelle Norton-Poteet (Douglas), Jolene Pearce-Poteet, and Darla Lawson-Poteet.
Carl was born July 23 1931 in Jerome, Arizona to Helena W. Ball and James C. Poteet. Carl was an only child that raised 3 children, had 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
After high school gra- duation he enlisted in the US Navy. He became an Aviation Ordnanceman that handled aircraft weapons aboard the USS Oriskany and USS Enterprise during the Korean War. He survived as a POW and was honorably discharged from the Navy.
He met Beanie the love of his life of 50 years and they were married November 11, 1960 in Las Vegas.
He loved history and social studies so much that he obtained a Master’s degree in teaching ultimately earning him the prestigious Merit Teacher Award for “outstanding contributions to education in the teaching of geographic concepts and skills.”
He was also a man that enjoyed learning how things worked like famously dismantling Beanie’s 1961 Cadillac engine piece-by-piece while she was at work. When she asked why he took her car apart, he said “I had to take it apart to know how it works.” Once the car was back in working order, Beanie parked the car in her father’s shed for 10 years, presumably to keep it away from Carl!
Every year, Carl and Beanie would host Christmas Eve to family and friends where they played their instruments and their grandchildren performed “Upon the Housetop” and other Christmas favorites. Carl spent his retirement years with close friends “The Gang” John & Shirley Pittman and the late Warner & Jenny Rannow having dinner, shopping, and the occasional coffee & donuts. Despite not knowing how to read sheet music he played the harmonica with ease bringing a smile to all who listened. He even joined the Sun City band playing gigs for the locals. He loved swimming at the community center, having lengthy conversations with the mechanics at the 76-Garage, but Carl’s favorite was any place serving cheeseburgers.
Some say Carl was a great teacher, many say he was a war hero, while others would call him a great friend. As a man of many accomplishments- To his family he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. What more could we be more grateful for. We all love and miss you Carl.