Richard Earl Potts

On behalf of all of us at Literacy Mid-South, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Richard "Ric" Potts. Ric´s unwavering dedication to education and literacy has left an enduring mark on Memphis. Through his decades of service as a teacher, professor, and board member, he empowered generations of students and educators alike. His life´s work so beautifully aligned with our mission-to equip our community with the power of literacy across the lifespan. We are...

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

My sincere condolences. Rick was one of the best men I have ever meet and worked with. I will truly miss him. He truly loved what he did and influenced many people including me.

Dr. Potts was my principal at Idlewild, where I was just starting my teaching career. He encouraged me to teach life lessons to the children and to not worry about test scores as much. I so enjoyed working for him. He had my utmost respect. Prayers to all of his family. I´m sure he will be missed.

My deepest condolences to Dr. Potts' family. He was a thoughtful, knowledgable, and inspiring mentor, leader, and professor. His contributions toward education were noteworthy will be part of his legacy. "Legacy is not what I did for myself. It is what I did for the next generation." -Vitor Belfort

Deepest condolences to the Potts family. Dr. Ric was an energetic, forward thinking, and dedicated leader in the world of education. His ability to assimilate a multitude of ideas, thoughts, and opinions from groups he led and bring forth strategies and plans that worked for all was truly remarkable. He will be remembered for this and compassion for students and people overall.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Ric Potts. I was a school colleague of Dr. Potts from the beginning of his career with MCS and we remained friends as we both became Central office administrators. His professionalism, creativity and leadership reflected his love for children and his belief that they deserved the best education. He was a natural for bringing the best out of educators with his mentoring and encouragement. Rest well Dr. Potts!

Ric and I were high school buddies. More than that, really, because to be a friend of Ric´s at anytime of his life was like being part of an embrace that was everlasting, such was Ric´s warm and encompassing heart for others. Those of us who knew him as a young man from quite modest beginnings applaud the work he did in his life-long personal development that resulted in his PhD and contributions to education. Ric will always hold a warm place in our memories.

Ric was instrumental in me becoming a teacher and he got me my first teaching job. He was a fantastic teacher! He will be missed.