Kenneth "Kenny" Wayne Potter

Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Potter, 65, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2022, at the Hospice Care of Chattanooga.

He was born on July 14, 1957, in Harriman, TN.  Throughout life, he was raised in the Oakdale Community and attended Oakdale School where he excelled on the football field and was named “All-Conference” during his senior season.  He also played basketball and baseball.  Kenny married his first-grade sweetheart, Shelia Langley in 1977 and later moved to the Benton area where they have lived since.  He was a member of Wetmore Baptist Church and retired from Olin Chemicals where he worked for 35 years. 

Kenny was an avid fisherman, hunter, and sportsman, and enjoyed coaching his son and friends in little league until he finally became “Coach Pappy” for his beloved granddaughter and excelled as “Coach Pappy” whether it was in the driveway or yelling at the referees from the sideline.

He was preceded in death by his infant sons, Aaron, and Adam Potter; mother, Betty Newberry; father-in-law, Roy D. Langley; brother-in-law, Greg Langley; grandparents, Claude and Doskie Potter, and Archie and June Newberry.

Left to cherish the many memories include his beloved wife of 45 years, Sheila Langley Potter; son, Jake (Savannah) Potter; father, Junior Lee (Arabella) Potter; cherished granddaughter, Lorelai Potter; mother-in-law, Lena Langley Basler; brothers, Randy (Judy) Potter, Jimmy Park; sisters, Teresa Baxter, Stephanie Benson; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Langley, Tammy (Joe) Miles; special “chosen” daughter, Laura Burchfield Foust.  Many cousins, nieces, nephews, Olin Corp. family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2022, at Wetmore Baptist Church, with Rev. Johnny Moore and Rev. Will Vest officiating.  Eulogy will be provided by Brad Bates.  Pallbearers on Monday will be Dustin Williams, Taylor Williams, Zach Swafford, Barry Carroll, Chet Kessler, Brad Bates, Brad Hamby, Kile Swafford, and Robby Hatcher. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Frank and Randall Frank.

Family and friends will gather from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, at the church prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, for the graveside committal service at Piney Baptist Church Cemetery in Oakdale, TN.  The pallbearers will be Joe Mile, Doug Langley, Randy Langley, David Kitts, Glen Chapman, Brian Shadden, Tim Johnson, and Terry Grayson.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.