It is with deep and profound sadness that we advise family and friends of the passing of our beloved Rhudel Alexander Potter. Rhudel departed this earthly realm on July 17, 2026, at his home in Waldorf, Md., at the age of 87. Rhudel was born on Dec. 17, 1938, to the late Adella Celestine Potter and James A. Potter in St. Thomas, USVI. After he completed his elementary and secondary education in St. Thomas, he relocated to the U.S. mainland to attend Hampton College in Virginia.

In 1962, Rhudel began his military service as an aircraft mechanic, serving for four years before receiving an honorable discharge at Dove Air Force Base in Delaware in 1966. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to public service as a correctional officer until his retirement.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy and Alfred Potter; sisters, Rita and Inger Potter, Sylvia Potter-Smith, and Janet Potter-George.

He is survived by his son, Derrick Canton; grandson, Anthony Canton; granddaughters, Autumn Canton and Adanya Canton; great-granddaughter, Eliana Layna Gail Canton; great- grandsons, Casin Nasir Smith, Anthony Dante Canton Jr. and Joseph Vaugn Brown; nephews, Keven George, Jeffrey and Keith Potter, Steven Potter (Aisha), Freddy Potter (Vera); nieces, Celeste George-Blyden (David), Celma George, Cheryl Potter, Keisha Potter, and Leisa Potter-Henson (Anthony); numerous great-nieces and nephews; special cousins, Ruth Anthony, Norwell Smith (Clorise), Ina Blyden; special friends, Dr. Gilbert Sprauve, Dr. Leonard Richardson and cherished neighbors in his Waldorf community that embraced him as family.

Rhudel will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his honorable military service, and his commitment to lifelong learning. His legacy lives on through the generations of loved ones he leaves behind and through the many lives he touched