David Alan Potter

Some people leave their mark on the world through the things they accomplish, while others are remembered for the lives they touch along the way. David Alan Potter did both. A devoted husband, loving father, accomplished professional, passionate cyclist, and treasured friend, David lived a life defined by determination, generosity, adventure, and a deep love for the people who surrounded him.

Born on January 28, 1973, in Bossier City, Louisiana, David was the son of Rodney Alan Potter and Cynthia Lynn Reid. He grew up in Keithville, Louisiana, and later attended Louisiana Tech University. David possessed a drive and determination that would become hallmarks of both his professional and personal life.

David began his career as a delivery driver for Frito-Lay before joining Schwan Food Company as a sales representative, specializing in Red Baron Pizza. His natural leadership abilities, strong work ethic, and dedication to excellence quickly became evident. During his time with the company, he had the remarkable opportunity to fly on one of the original Red Baron double-wing airplanes, an experience he loved sharing with others. His professional accomplishments eventually led to his promotion to district sales manager, where he was entrusted with improving sales performance across Texas.

Throughout his career, David earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Chairman's Cup in 2012 for Sysco Foods, distinguishing himself among the top one percent of sales professionals in the nation. After years of professional success, David made the meaningful decision to return to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, to be closer to family. He continued his career with US Foods until ultimately choosing to retire from professional work to devote more time to his growing family. For David, no professional accomplishment could ever outweigh the importance of being present for those he loved.

On August 17, 2013, David married Margot, beginning a beautiful chapter of life built around love, family, and shared experiences. Together, they created a home filled with cherished memories and the everyday joys of raising their family.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David discovered a passion that would become an extraordinary part of his life: cycling.

David was deeply involved in the cycling communities of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. He was instrumental in bringing cyclists together, organizing weekly group rides, post-ride gatherings, and community events. He proudly led Infinity Cycling, the oldest cycling team in Alabama, and became a familiar and respected presence at local races and events, particularly Cyclocross competitions.

David's passion for cycling extended far beyond competition. He believed in the friendships formed along the way, the encouragement shared between riders, and the sense of belonging that comes from a community united by a common love. To David, his cycling friends were never simply teammates or fellow competitors. They were an extension of his family.

His talent and dedication earned him numerous cycling awards in Cyclocross, road racing, criteriums, and time trials. Yet, perhaps his greatest achievement within the sport was not measured in medals or victories, but in the countless friendships he built and the people he inspired.

One particularly meaningful moment in David's life occurred while he was riding in Shreveport, Louisiana, when a fellow cyclist was struck by a truck. David and another rider immediately stopped, stabilized their injured friend, and remained by his side until he could be airlifted to a local hospital. For his courageous and compassionate actions, David received recognition at LSU Health Shreveport's "An Evening for the Healers" in 2014. It was a reflection of the kind of man David was—someone willing to stop, help, and stand beside another person when it mattered most.

Those who knew David will remember a man who approached life with purpose, embraced challenges with determination, and understood the value of bringing people together. Whether he was encouraging another cyclist, celebrating a friend's success, sharing stories from his career, or spending precious time with his family, David gave meaning to the moments that mattered.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Rodney Alan Potter and Cynthia Lynn Reid; his maternal grandparents, Willie Lavonne "Mama Bingo" Reid and Robert Miller "Papaw Reid" Reid, Sr.; his maternal great-grandmother, Maude Kennedy; his great-grandmother, Nona Glen Reid; his uncles, Robert Miller "Uncle Robbie" Reid, Jr., Rodney Glen "Uncle Pete" Reid, and Eric Potter; and his first wife, Lori Henley Potter.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Margot Gathings Potter; his five children, Gatlin David Potter, Barron Alan Potter, Margot Marie Potter, Reid McKeown Potter, and Lauren Ashley Potter; his brother, Jason Litton; his sister, Veronica Litton; his aunt, Linda Reid Soileau; and his cousin, Rodney Reid.

David is also survived by his father-in-law, Lloyd Weaver Gathings II; his mother-in-law, Honora McKeown Gathings; his sister-in-law, Honora Gathings Pinnick; his brother-in-law, Jonathan Patrick Pinnick; and his nieces, Honora Stephana Pinnick, Evalee Peyton Pinnick, and Magdelena Margaret Pinnick.

He also leaves behind many beloved cousins and countless friends whom he considered family. The love, laughter, encouragement, and memories David shared with each of them will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Mountain Brook Police and Fire Departments, emergency medical personnel, Stephen Bischoff, and the overwhelming number of family members, lifelong friends, fellow cyclists, and colleagues who have offered their love, prayers, and support during this heartbreaking time. Your kindness and compassion have been a source of comfort beyond words.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to Magic Moments, 2112 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama, or Trips for Kids, 3501 1st Avenue South, Suite 101B, Birmingham, Alabama.

David's journey through this life was filled with miles traveled, goals accomplished, friendships formed, and love shared. Although his ride here on earth has come to an end, the impact of his life will continue in every person he encouraged, every friendship he nurtured, and every memory held close by those who loved him.

The road may end, but the love, the memories, and the legacy ride on forever.

Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.