Dr. Philip Lamar PottsRinggold

Dr. Philip Lamar Potts Sr. of Ringgold, GA passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hector Beauregard Potts and Gladys Jones Potts Bates, his son Philip Lamar Potts II, and his brother Ralph Park Potts.

Philip attended Ringgold High School, Berry Academy for Boys, and obtained a BS, Masters and PhD at The University of Georgia (AG and Poultry Sciences). He was Comptroller at Dalton State College, worked in the banking industry, taught in the Ag department at Berry College, was the head of the Poultry Science Program at California Poly Technical College, taught science at Ringgold Middle School where he became Assistant Principal and moved on to become Assistant Principal at Heritage Middle School and Heritage High School. He was in his element when he could teach and advise students, inspire their hearts and minds and help them find a way into a rewarding career path. In retirement, he partnered with Jonathan to build a Black Angus cow/calf operation out of Berry College bloodline and greatly enjoyed milling wood, spending time in nature and relaxing with family and friends.

Philip was survived by his loving son, Jonathan Hector Potts, daughter-in-law Ashley Empel Potts, grandchildren Adler Elizabeth Potts and Maddux Parker Potts; Jonathan’s mother, Linda Jackson Potts; sister-in-law Sara Anne Potts; nieces Carolyn Potts Crouch, Lynne Potts Shaw, Tracy Potts Rampley (Rick); 8 nieces and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews, numerous Potts and Jones Cousins; special friend Martha Brewer Wagner.

He was a member of Rock Spring Methodist Church, Rock Spring, GA where his memorial service will be held on December 7, 2025 at 2:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Berry College / Bob Williams Endowed Spirit Award https://berry.givingfuel.com/gift or to Rock Spring Methodist Church, Rock Spring, GA.