Birth date: Jul 29, 1949 Death date: Jul 6, 2025
Richard Earl “Ric” Potts July 29, 1949 - July 6, 2025 Richard Earl “Ric” Potts--husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, lifelong educator and friend to many, passed away on July 6 at Baptist Hospital after a short i Read Obituary
ALL my memories of Dr. Potts are fond ones. He was one of my best professors at CBU, and I continued to see and talk with him as he served at Compass. He was a wealth of knowledge, but super down to earth and fun! Prayers for strength to everyone who loves him!
M. Tracy
ALL of my memories of Dr. Potts are fond ones...from the days of being his student at CBU to seeing him at Compass as a teacher and him being a board member. Dr. Potts was such a wealth of knowledge, yet so down to earth and always, always super caring and kind! I will surely miss seeing him around. Prayers and wishes of strength for all who love him!
M. Tracy
Thank you Dr. Potts for investing in the education of so many over the years. You were a great mentor and friend and will be missed.
Scott and Rebecca Stephens
I was asked to join some Central High School, fellow educators, for tennis, and, in later years, golf. That’s how I met Ric, through this group of very competitive and enthusiastic fine fellows. Ric was among the most competitive and enthusiastic of these guys and we had a grand time through the years as we all tried to work on our golf games. I was also accepted into his leadership program at CBU; he was firm, fair, but all smiles when he walked me through the process. Although I chose not to enroll in the program, we continued to talk education for many years, blending that talk while playing golf. We became friends through the years, and I’ll always remember Ric Potts.
P.S. We played 18 holes of golf at Whitehaven on July 3, Ric walked all 18 holes. When we reached the 9th / 18th and final hole, one I believe to be an extremely difficult hole, Ric hit a good drive, poor second and third shots, but then drained a long putt for par, to finish his golfing career on a strong note. He was fired up and looking forward to the next week! I will miss our friend, Ric Potts.
Will certainly miss you Dr. Potts
Shetauja
Ric has been a dear friend of mine since the early ‘80s. We shared a number of adventures, and his company was never dull and full of fun stories and laughter. For the last 35 years we have enjoyed our annual post-Christmas fishing trip with a number of close mutual friends. I think I speak for all of our group in that it was an annual event that tied the year together and not to be missed. I remember Ric and faithful companion Michael Holzemer once driving through a rare Arkansas 11 inch snow to get there. I always looked forward to catching up on life and careers while fishing, over a nice meal of trout and fixings or the not to be missed card game. He was smart, funny and all-around great dude. I hate that I’ll miss the service as I’ll be traveling in Ireland. I plan to hoist a pint in his honor on the 15th and expect he’ll appreciate it. RIP Ric.
When I served as Assistant Principal of Sea Isle Elementary, my Principal took a leave of absence. Typically, when this occurs a retired or seasoned Principal is called in to assist. Dr. Potts had enough confidence in my abilities to allow me an opportunity to assume the duties and responsibilities during her absence. He was always a phone call or email away, and his support was unwavering. He has left an indelible mark on the lives and professional careers of many educators. He will be missed but his spirit will live on through those he has touched.
Carla E. Holloway, Ed.D.
Rest well Rick! You were an excellent administrator at CBU and Shelby County Schools. I learned a lot from you! Tammy Avanzi
Dr. Potts always had a practical tip for balancing work and family. He was devoted to the CBU Department of Education and his students. He was a giant among educators He was a great friend.
Dr. Rosetta Mayfield-Burford
