Powell G. Potts

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 9, 2006

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – Powell Grissette Potts, a longtime resident of Bowling Green, Ky., and Franklin, Ky., passed away quietly in his sleep Nov. 6, 2006.

Mr. Potts was born in Fair Bluff, N.C., on Dec. 12, 1919. In his youth, he enjoying 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 Air Force during World War II 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, 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 &#8220A’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.

A loving husband, father and friend, he will be deeply missed by all.

A memorial service is at 11 a.m. Saturday at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City, Calif.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to any organization dedicated to helping individuals and their families struggling with alcohol or drug dependency.

Mr. Potts is survived by his wife, Grace; three daughters, Mary Ciccone of La Jolla, Elizabeth Potts of Bowling Green and Annie Potts of Los Angeles; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and four stepchildren.

We’ll miss you Pop.