Sheriff Wayne Potter

Morgan County Sheriff Wayne M. Potter

January 3, 1975 – February 18, 2025

Sheriff Wayne Potter, a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, public servant, and respected leader in Morgan County, passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2025. Sheriff Potter was a dedicated Christian and God-fearing man, saved by grace and lived in the peace of knowing his eternal resting place was in a perfect heaven.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 3, 1975 in Oak Ridge, TN at Methodist Medical Center. Sheriff Potter grew up in Wartburg, Tennessee and is an alumnus of Wartburg Central High School. Sheriff Potter, additionally, is a graduate of Cleveland State University, earning his graduation from the Clevland State University Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Law Enforcement Career

Sheriff Potter dedicated his life to serving and protecting the citizens of Morgan County. He began his law enforcement career in 1995 as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. In 1998 he began his career at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office working in the jail as a correctional officer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community, serving in various additional roles as a school resource officer, patrolman and narcotics investigator. Sheriff Potter also served in roles as a law enforcement professional with the Cities of Wartburg Police Department and the Oliver Springs Police Department. 

Sheriff of Morgan County

In 2018, Sheriff Potter was elected as the Sheriff of Morgan County and subsequently reelected sheriff in 2022, marking a time of history making in Morgan County as the first elected sheriff without political opposition. He held the position of Sheriff of Morgan County, with honor and distinction, until his passing. During his tenure, he implemented numerous initiatives to improve public safety, reduce crime, and enhance community relations for the citizens of Morgan County and the Morgan County Government. Sheriff Potter has been praised by local, state and federal leaders for his efforts as a law enforcement leader and community caretaker, earning personal praise and appreciation from United States President Donald Trump for his service of excellence to his community and the State of Tennessee. Sheriff Potter was a championing figure and voice on behalf of the citizens of Morgan County, victims of crime, and the employees of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. 

Personal Life

Sheriff Potter is preceded in death by his mother Nancy Justes Potter, father “C.L.” Claude Luther Potter, brother William Michael (Porky) Potter. Sheriff Potter is survived by his loving wife, Lea Potter; children; son Jesse Garcia, daughter Mary McCoy and husband Brandon, daughter Wendy (Marie) Potter Freels and husband Hayden, daughter Wayna (Malea) Potter, daughter Wayla (Makaela) Potter, son Wayne Potter Jr., granddaughters; Adrianna Jessalynn Garcia and Amaia Skye McCoy. Siblings’; sister Wendy (Missy) Potter Vespie and husband Douglas, and brother Walter Potter and wife Lorie. He was a devoted family man and cherished the time spent with his loved ones. Traveling and seeing the country was his favorite pastime with his family. His most proud accomplishment was in that of his family. Sheriff Potter was also an entrepreneur, providing for his family by owning local businesses and property investment management. Additionally, Sheriff Potter was the former owner of Blue Line Security, headquartered in Wartburg, Tennessee providing security services all over the country and outside of the United States. 

Visitation and Services

The family will welcome friends and the community on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 11am until 2pm at the Wartburg Central High School, with the funeral service to begin at 2pm. Interment will follow at the Armes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery at 4pm. Services officiated by Rev. Chaplain Charles Webb and Rev. Roy Langley.

Schubert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sheriff Wayne M. Potter.