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Powell Potts Obituary
Mr. Potts was born in Fair Bluff, N.C., December 12, 1919, enjoying his youth fishing and swimming under the shade of the Spanish moss alongside the Lumber River. He attended Oakridge Military Academy and later Command and General Staff School in the U.S. Air Force. While serving in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a pilot and flight instructor, Mr. Potts rose to the rank of Major.
He married Dorothy Billingslea in 1943 with whom he had three daughters. The couple lived on a farm in Franklin, Kentucky where they raised their children and he prospered as a businessman. He owned and operated the
Southern Stone Co. and served as President of the National Limestone Institute.
Mr. Potts retired to the Palm Springs area in 1983. It was here that Mr. Potts found his most satisfying work, turning his life over to his Higher Power and dedicating the last 24 years of his life to volunteering for Alcoholics Anonymous, tirelessly aiding others in their quest for sobriety. He considered his 24 years of sobriety one of the greatest achievements of his life.
In 2003, Mr. Potts married his longtime love, Grace "A'isha" Kelly, a well known entertainer in the desert. Ms. Kelly, a belly dancer, was the main attraction at Zorba's and other venues as well, dancing for many Presidents and other dignitaries.
Mr. Potts is survived by his wife, Grace; 3 daughters, Mary Ciccone of La Jolla, Elizabeth Potts of Bowling Green,
Kentucky, and Annie Potts of Los Angeles, as well as 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 4 step children.
A loving husband, father, and friend, he will be deeply missed by all.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2006 at Forest Lawn, 69855 East Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to any organization dedicated to helping individuals and their families struggling with alcohol or drug dependency.
We'll miss you Pop.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Powell Potts
Kimberly Keenan
June 19, 2025
Sounds like a great man who helped people with one of the most difficult problems of life, Alcoholism. May he have a special place in heaven.
Chris Hicks
November 17, 2006
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of a loved one.
Bob Hinkle
November 12, 2006
My regards to Gracie and the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Powell when I was a driver for Alan Medical. He was a great man and will be kept in our prayers.
terry
November 12, 2006
thank you you help a lot of us
Michael Stier
November 11, 2006
Powell spent the last 24 years of his life helping hundreds of people fight and recover from acholism. He was always there for those who sought help and he sought out those who couldn't get help. I owe my 18 yrs of sobriety to him and the countless memories of his company in the relationship we had. He will always be there for me. Michael Stier
Joel Bigwood
November 11, 2006
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Powell. Powell was a friend and inspiration to me in my early days of sobriety. We shared many a late night coffee in those days. I was blessed to have know him.
Joe Abercrombie
November 10, 2006
To the Potts Family: I had the pleasure of knowing Powell through our common thread, our love of AA. He attended several of the same meeting as I, most memorable was our Monday Men's stag. He always shared his strength and encouragement with the new people which I was in the early 90's. His wit and funny stories will be missed. I am very greatful to have known Powell.
Angelo,Tony & Chris Pantele
November 10, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Leota Green
November 10, 2006
Powell was a dear friend and my favorite golf partner. We spent many happy hours playing golf at the Lakes Country Club. He loved his family with all of his heart. He was a true southern gentleman and I will miss him very much.
Bridgette (Hughes) Mccuiston
November 10, 2006
Annie I am sorry to hear about your dad,I saw his obiturary in the Bowling Green Paper. You probably dont remember me, my Grandfather worked for you dad at the Rock Quarry (Clifton Hughes) and they lived down the road from you all. You had made me a light blue Xmas stocking one year that I still have. And you babysat me some. Anyway just wanted to tell you I was sorry about your dad. Take Care.
Jennifer Turner
November 10, 2006
I met Powell when I worked at a physician's office in Rancho Mirage over 10 years ago. And I must say I am truly blessed to be able to say I knew him. I want his children and grandchildren to know that he was so proud of you all. He would tell me stories about all of you with a twinkle in his eye. He truly was a wonderful man. God Bless you Powell, rest in peace.
Bob Law
November 10, 2006
Powell was a great friend to me, a person I reallly looked up to, he will be missed.
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