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Obituary For Mr. Marcelleus D. Potts
Potts, Mr. Marcelleus D. a resident of Lanett, AL, died Friday, June 5, 2020 at his residence.
Graveside Services are scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 12:00 P.M. from Fort Tyler Cemetery, 800 Austin Street, West Point, Georgia, Rev. Frederick James, Ph.D., Officiant and Rev. Leonard Autry, Eulogist. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing. Public Viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. from Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.
Mr. Marcelleus Duttera Potts, affectionately known as “BIG DAWG”, was born February 25, 1954 at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital in Langdale, now Valley, Alabama to Ms. Girlee Potts. He was the apple of his grandfather’s eye—the late Mr. Arthur Louis Potts. In addition to the loving care and nurture of his mother, Marcelleus was fondly loved and cared for by his aunts—Mary Louis, Hannah and Louisa.
Marcelleus was educated in the Lanett City Schools. He began his public school tenure at the former Lanier High School where he honed his outstanding athletic skills under the tutelage of legendary Coach James A. Hardy. Marcelleus continued to excel in football under Coach Dan Washburn at Lanett High School where he graduated with the Class of 1972.
After high school, Marcelleus and several classmates journeyed to Los Angeles, CA to play semi-professional football. He gained the reputation of a force to be reckoned with on the grid iron. However, one could not have experienced a more gentle and caring spirit than his. Marcelleus possessed a genteel, easy going demeanor that proved to even strangers that he was a child of the living God. A lifelong football enthusiast, Marcelleus was an avid Alabama Fan, “ROLL TIDE”.
Marcelleus confessed Christ as his personal Savior in his youth and united with Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lanett under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. W. H. Radney. He possessed a special care and concern for children. As such, he was dedicated to caring for, mentoring and teaching the youth of his family and the neighborhood. For several seasons in the 1970’s, Marcelleus coached little league football with the Lanett Recreation Department.
He was preceded in death by his mother; his stepson, Anrika White; his aunts, Mary Louis Potts, Hannah Boyd, Gussie Perry and Louisa Burton; his uncles, Alfred Potts, Lee Potts and Elias Potts. On Friday, June 5, 2020, Marcelleus D. Potts was transferred from the church terrestrial to the church celestial to abide in the presence of God. His home going leaves us saddened, but our faith in God remains steadfast and unmovable.
Marcelleus leaves to cherish many fond memories: his brother, Arthur (special and devoted sister-in-law, Desiree, whom he loved as his sister) Potts, Wetumpka, AL; a niece, Alyssa Jeffreys, Wetumpka, AL; aunt, Louisiana Potts, Detroit, MI; dedicated cousin who grew up as a brother, Frank (Shirley) Wright, Jr., Lanett, AL; special cousins, Gary (Brenda) Wright, Janice Burton, Zonnie Henderson and Israel White all of Lanett, AL; a lifelong companion, Ruby Todd; step-son, Michael Todd and his daughter, LaDonna White; two step great-grandchildren of Louisville, KY; spiritual friend, Rev. Leonard Autry, Lanett, AL; loyal friends, Amanda Potts, Washington, DC, Betty Lanier and Elizabeth Lanier both of Lanett, AL; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, including extended family of Dairy Dee in LaFayette, AL.
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Add A CondolenceTo the family of my dear friend. 1972 binder our friendship for life. Marcellus still called me every month to check on me. We always ended our conversation with I love you. 1972 was the best year of my life, I have memories that can never be erased. RIP Mar, I love you.
Dear Arthur and Desiree, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved brother and my dear cousin, Marcelleus. Given the ongoing health and social crises in our country today, I have had to make the heartrending decision to not be present with you as you bid farewell to Mar. However I am with you in mind and spirit.
I share many fond memories of Marcelleus as I grew up among one of the closest network of families I've ever witnessed. Whether it was watching Mar and my brother Frank with their team members crush their opponents on the gridiron at old Jennings Field, flying kites on Scottline, going to Wednesday night wrestling in nearby Columbus, GA, or you, Neda, Janice and I loading into Mar's car to head to the newest fast food restaurant that opened on US Highway 29, Mar was a gentle giant. Even his beloved muscle car, that old Chevy Chevelle, was softened by its pastel yellow color.
My spirit was always lifted by Marcelleus'easy going personality whether it be the aforementioned activities of my youth or interactions with him at family gatherings after I became an adult. So as Shakespeare's Horatio said on the occasion of the departure of his beloved friend, Hamlet, I say of my dearly departed giant of a cousin, Marcellus as he departs from us and returns to his Creator, and reunites with our ancestors: "Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. "
