Alvin L Potts

Al was born in Newnan, Georgia on August 13, 1931, to the late Irvin and Telza Potts.

Along with his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sister, Nance Potts of Goldsboro, NC and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Barnes Potts of Raleigh, NC.

Al graduated from Goldsboro High School and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard for three years. After leaving the Coast Guard, Al graduated from the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering in 1957, currently known as North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC with a Textile Design bachelor's degree.

Al worked at Johnson City Mills in Johnson City, TN and Chatham Manufacturing Company in Elkin, NC before joining Robbins Mills, currently known as Burlington Industries in Raeford, NC. where he retired as the plant planning manager. Al also met the love of his life, Shirley Calloway Potts, at Burlington Industries and married in 1962.

Al was a member of Raeford Presbyterian Church for many years until his health declined. He served on several committees at the church. Additionally, he was the North Carolina State University Hoke County Alumni Association President, member of WoodmenLife, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Civil War Roundtable.

Al is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Calloway Potts of Raeford, his son Alvin “Leigh” Potts II of Raleigh, NC, daughter Lisa Potts Davis (Kevin) of Raeford, NC, grandchildren, William Elias Davis of Raeford, NC, Ian Leigh Potts (Hollie) of Leland, NC, and Miranda Potts Noland (Kris) of Garner, NC. and four great-grandchildren, Weston, Griffin, Hallie, and Beau, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The Potts family would like to give special thanks and deepest gratitude to son-in-law, Kevin Davis, for his daily dedication and support during the last three years of Al’s illness. The family also sincerely appreciates the caregivers at Carolina Hearts and Amedisys provided by Veteran’s Affairs for their excellent care. The family also wants to thank grandson William Davis and long-time friend, Manuel Gonzalez, for their support and assistance during the last three years.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 W Edinborough Ave Raeford, NC 28376.

Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 pm with an immediate burial at the Shiloh Presbyterian Church Cemetery.