Terry Wayne Potts, most affectionately called “Poppie”, a Lawrenceburg, TN native, was born into this world on November 20th, 1964, and at the age of 61, on July 3rd, 2026, he departed this earth into the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ.
Terry was a fighter, even unto his last breath. He passed away beside the woman he treasured most, his beloved wife, in the home he worked humbly to build for them, and surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Marvin Potts; one sibling, John Potts.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Daisy May Potts of Lawrenceburg, TN; one daughter, Amanda Delane (James Delane) of Lawrenceburg, TN; one son, Jason Potts (Kendel Johnson) of Lawrenceburg, TN; fifteen grandchildren, Naylan Potts, Caden Corbin (Tatiana Corbin), Anniston Corbin, Forest Potts (Holly Potts), Haiven Potts, Oakley Potts, Ryder Potts, Karter Johnson, Charli Donovan, Trenton Delane (Grace Delane), Andrew Delane, and Desmond Delane; four siblings, Chris Potts (Wanda Potts), Brenda Pilkinton (Tim Pilkinton), Joe Potts (Becky Potts), and Linda Walker (Michael Walker) all of Lawrenceburg, TN; six nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers: Naylan Potts, Caden Corbin, Forrest Potts, Oakley Potts, Jason Potts, James Delane, and Ryder Potts.
Terry grew up surrounded by loving parents and siblings working on a farm. From a young age, a work ethic was instilled into his very being. He was down to the T Terry; precise calculations, exact estimates, expertise on every matter, and no mistake in between. His hands were diligent, and he labored unyieldingly.
Terry spent a portion of his time working as a hay hauler. He was previously employed at Murray Ohio and was the previous owner of ASAP Hardware. Most recently, he owned Summertown Construction.
Terry always possessed affection for his community, too. He served as the president of the Henryville Community Club, the president of the Henryville Cemetery Committee, and the president of the Lawrence County Council. Additionally, Terry was a member of the TCAT construction committee. Though of most importance to him in his work was serving his church. Terry was the Pastor of Whispering Hills Free Church of God. There he pastored for eight years. He deeply cherished his congregation. He was the pianist and bassist for his church, too. He loved to play instruments and sing. When Terry played instruments, it was not just mere background noise but a joyful noise unto the Lord; he truly held a wonderful gift for music.
Terry was strong-willed, could build anything he imagined, and was a hard worker. He built a life, and he delighted in it. He always made sure to provide. Not just for his family, but for any person he encountered.
If you ever had the opportunity of meeting Terry, you likely were embraced in a bear hug, as he would say, “Blessing you all over the place, I’m talking about all that stuff all over the place.”
Terry’s love was in abundance; it was an overflow poured out from a heart truly fixed on Jesus. His family is blessed exceedingly, abundantly, and more than possible to imagine, not only to love him but to have been loved by him.
Terry was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, preacher, counselor, builder, friend, and, best of all, a child of God. He will be missed in countless ways by numerous people. Especially by those closest to him, in that there now lies a central missing piece. Nevertheless, there is peace resting in the certainty of his eternal healing and peace. He departs with his favorite reminder, one that will echo in hearts forever: “I love you so much it hurts.”
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Whispering Hills Free Church of God. Funeral services will be conducted at Whispering Hills Free Church of God at 11:00 AM Monday, July 6, 2026, with Jim Potts and Charles Barwick officiating. Interment will follow at Potts Family Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
