Alfred Turman Poteete

Alfred Turman Poteete passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in the presence of his family at the home of his daughter, Dana Nelson. He was 94 years old. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents Andrew C. Poteete Sr. and Alpha (Turman); sister, Ruth Poteete Briery; brother, Andrew Crusoe Poteete Jr.; and his third wife, Elaine Lovelace Poteete and her son, Henry.

He is survived by his four children Kathryn (Russell) Holden, Bill (Gale) Poteete, Dana Ruth (Jeff) Nelson, and Deborah (Jimmy) Nelson; grandchildren Kristy, Bradley, Marie, Becky, Eric, Anthony, Ian, Tricia, and Bethany. He will also be fondly remembered by stepchildren Dan (Mary Beth) Lovelace, Joan (Henry Bangert) Lovelace; many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Alfred was born in Franklin, Tennessee, on May 31, 1930, the youngest of three children. He was raised by an aunt and worked as a farmhand from a very young age. Alfred attended Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas, where he majored in journalism. To pay his tuition, he worked with his uncle, who oversaw maintenance, and helped wire the new buildings on campus. Al thus received a twofold education, which he put to good use.

In 1954, Alfred was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany as a photographer and journalist. He published his correspondence regularly in Stars and Stripes. Later, in St. Louis, he worked as an electrician for TretoLite/Petrolite, building on the skills he gained while in college. Al was handy in a variety of ways, capable of handling any project at work, around the house, and building his family home.

In 1953 he met and married Peggy Weddle. She was from St. Louis where they would eventually settle and raise four children together.

Al spent over 60 years in St. Louis, where he made many friends and developed a reputation as a helpful neighbor who could fix or build almost anything! He helped found a Church of Christ in Union, Missouri, where he and his family attended; and he later served as a deacon at the Maryland Heights Church of Christ.

Al was an avid Cardinals fan, and his granddaughter, Kristy, shared a distinct memory of his passion: “Shortly after I turned 18, I signed up for a course in St. Louis. Every weekend for several months I drove to St. Louis to stay at Grandpa’s house. Each weekend he and his wife, Elaine, welcomed me with open arms. Some of my fondest memories are from those evenings together. We’d sit in his all-blue living room chatting and drinking peach iced tea while watching the St. Louis Cardinals game. Anyone who knew Grandpa knew that he was the Cards’ biggest fan. To this day, the sounds of a Cardinals game in the background and the taste of peach iced tea bring back a flood of memories, wrapping me in the warmth and love he always showed me.”

He was also passionate about fishing and golf, and loved going to Columbia Golf Club to share tall tales and small wagers with his buddies.

His family treasures these memories and many more. Dana once asked him how he’d like to be remembered, and he replied, “I want everyone I meet to feel valued.” That certainly was the case for those who knew him. His daughter-in-law, Gale recalls meeting him for the first time: “He never showed any difference between me and his own children, and he always made me feel a part of the family… and when I needed someone to listen, Dad always did.” Her daughter, Kristy, likewise captures this sense well: “My grandpa was a towering man, but he was gentle and kind. He always showed interest in my life and made me feel accomplished and special. Something in his eyes made you know he was proud of you. It was there every time I saw him, from those moments years ago, until the last time I saw him just before he passed away.”

Al was quiet and resolute. Even though Dad was great in stature and strength, small children were drawn to him because he was kind and gentle. His daughters remember the way he held them. Debbie recalls, “When I was a little girl, he would pick me up and hold me during church. This made me feel very special. Because I was so high off the ground, I could see everyone and everything going on around us.”

Similarly, Kathy remembers sitting in her father’s lap when he would relax at the end of the day in an easy chair. “He was often so tired he would fall asleep before bedtime.” She loved snuggling with him in the chair. Gale recalls his gentleness with her own daughters, Kristy and Marie.

Alfred was also known for his dry sense of humor. His son, Bill, remembers his humor and wants to share the best time they ever shared, but can’t: “He told me never to tell anyone else.” Ian relates, “Grandpa always made me feel special. He’d ask questions about what’s going in my life. He always offered encouragement and support, and frequently told my brother and me how proud he is of us."

In a recent visit, Anthony was surprised when Grandpa talked to him about a field trip they shared to the Children’s Museum 20 years ago. They both recalled how much fun they had that day and Anthony said he will always remember that visit.

Al Poteete was a gentle man—large and reserved—a sportsman, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His children’s best memories include Dad’s beautiful rose garden, fishing trips to the lake, meticulously carved watermelon under the tree, protecting his daughters from Bill and his garter snake, The Tennessee Waltz, and Coffee and Molasses.

He will be missed by those who knew him and he leaves behind great memories. A private celebration of Alfred’s life will be held in St. Louis later this year. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Emmanuel Hospice at https://emmanuelhospice.org/donate/

His family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

The stars shine over the mountains,

The stars shine over the sea.

The stars look up to heaven,

The stars look down on me.

The stars will live a million years,

Yes, a million years and a day.

But my God and I shall live and love

When the stars have passed away.