Curtis “Randy” Randall Potts, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center, in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Visitation honoring the life and memory of Mr. Potts will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will be private.
Born on December 15, 1947, in Amory, Mississippi, Randy was the beloved son of the late Curtis Nathaniel and Mary Frances Funderburg Potts. He received his education at Lockport West in Illinois and was a Baptist.
On September 24, 1966, Randy married the love of his life, Joan Lee Schaal. For nearly sixty years, they shared a life built on love, family, hard work, and the simple things that mattered most. Together, they created a home and a family of which Randy was deeply proud. Joan was not only his wife, but his best friend, soulmate, and lifelong companion.
Randy was a hardworking man who spent many years working as a welder, including time at Abby Manufacturing in Walnut, Mississippi. He never needed much to be happy. He found his greatest joy in his family, enjoyed spending time fishing, and took pride in providing for and caring for those he loved. He was a simple man with a gentle heart—a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true family man.
Those who knew Randy will remember him for his hardworking nature, his love for his family, and the quiet, steady way he lived his life. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he cherished the time he was able to spend with them. And anyone who knew Randy knew that he had quite a sweet tooth, especially when it came to chocolate of just about any kind.
Left to cherish Randy’s memory are his beloved wife of nearly sixty years, Joan Potts of Booneville; one son, Randy Lee Potts of Booneville; one daughter, Jennifer Rose Martin (Jared) of Ingomar; one sister, Linda Hall (Daryl) of Blue Mountain; seven grandchildren, Kayla Browning, Paxton Browning, Arwen Potts, Liberty Raines (Cole), Serenity Potts, Merlyn Holmes (Jared), and Toni Conwill; nine great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, Larry Gailor.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffery Randall Potts; one sister, Brenda Gailor; one great-granddaughter, Ainsley Michelle Holmes; and one son-in-law, James Browning.
The family wishes to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Floor, as well as the entire hospital staff, for the exceptional care, kindness, and love shown to Randy and his family during his final days. Their compassion and support will always be remembered and appreciated.
Though Randy’s life was simple, the love he gave was anything but. He leaves behind a family who will carry his memory in their hearts, along with the many little things that will forever remind them of him—the fishing trips, the family gatherings, the hard work, the laughter, and perhaps most of all, his love for a good piece of chocolate.
His earthly journey has come to an end, but the love he shared with Joan and his family will continue to live on through the generations he leaves behind.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with the Potts family.
