Obituary of Richard "Dick" Clive Potter

Richard “Dick” Clive Potter, Sr. (91), passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Holland Potter; son, Richard Potter, Jr. (Maura); daughter, Julie Gardner (Jeff); six grandchildren, Maggie Potter McNeal, Michael Stites, Jr., Carolyn Potter, Zachary Stites, Kristen Potter Stansell, and Tara Gardner Harrison; and six great grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his father, Lillard Clive Potter; and his mother, Dorothy Ledbetter Potter.

Dick was born in the land of good ol’ Rocky Top - Lenoir City, Tennessee. He graduated from Lenoir City High School in 1950. He is a proud alumni of Carson Newman College where he played basketball and earned his teaching degree in 1954.  On September 1, 1957, he married the love of his life and together they have called Brevard County home since 1962. He was a basketball coach and physical education teacher in Tennessee for five years and for Brevard County Public Schools for 25 years.

Dick dedicated his life to teaching and coaching children although his greatest passion and pride was that of his family. In addition to being a loving husband, father, grandfather (“g-pa”), son, friend and coach to many, he was an avid Tennessee Vols fan, a devout Christian, and sports trivia champ.

After he retired in 1987, you could find him on the golf course, volunteering at local youth basketball camps, or spending time with his grandchildren. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren – never missing a holiday or a family birthday, attending sporting events and school programs, and making sure they always had the monthly copy of the Upper Room daily devotional along with handpicked scriptures and prayers written by him.  

The family will be having a private celebration of life.