Donald “Poppy” Potter, 79, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away on September 2, 2025, at Sherwood Nursing & Rehab Center.
He was born in Pontiac, Illinois, and moved to Pearcy, AR as a teenager, graduating from Lake Hamilton High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army as a Radio Mechanic in Korea where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He was a Sharpshooter (M-16) and an Expert (M-14).
Following his military service, Don trained in typewriter repair and worked for many years with Royal Business Machines in Little Rock. After the company closed, he continued his career at Camp JT Robinson, maintaining alarm systems for National Guard Armories across Arkansas until his retirement.
He was an avid sports fan who especially loved basketball and football. He also enjoyed boating, skiing, fishing, and spending time outdoors and on Lake Hamilton with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Margaret Potter, and his beloved wife, Debra (Cooper) Potter. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Rebecca Rowland. Mr. Potter will be remembered for his patience, loyalty, generosity, humor, and compassion. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Family Funeral Homes – Little Rock. For more information, please contact the funeral home at (501) 224-2200 or visit https://www.smithfamilycares.com/smith-little-rock
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more