Nashville - Wilburn Carroll "Drubby" Potts was born December 1, 1922, and died January 19, 2018. The youngest of eight children born to the late Mattie Marlin Potts and Halbert J. Potts, he was nicknamed "Drubby" by his next older sister who couldn't quite say "Brother". As a child during the depression, he endured many hardships but learned the value of family, hard work, and patriotism. He spoke often of his fond memories of growing up in Franklin, where he graduated from Franklin High School, and made many lifelong friends, including those at his first job at the "filling station". In high school, he developed a tremendous love for football and dreamed of playing for General Neyland on the "Hill" in Knoxville. The dream faded as Uncle Sam called; and like many of his generation, Drubby served proudly as a member of the Army Air Corps during WWII. Later, he was called back into the service during the Korean Conflict and returned to active duty at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. After serving his country he tested the waters as a professional photographer, but eventually joined the family business, G. P. Rose and Company. He became Vice President and worked tirelessly until his retirement in 1987. Drubby was an avid fisherman, a Boy Scout leader, member of American Legion Post #215, and a faithful member of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. His love for the "Big Orange" remained constant and he was in attendance for 71 Tennessee/ Vanderbilt Football games. On the occasion of his 70th Tennessee/ Vanderbilt rivalry, Drubby was an invited guest in the President's box. Driving away from the game, he remarked, "That was nice, but I would rather sit outside with the real fans". On November 9, 1947, Drubby married the former Jeanette James. They enjoyed 63 years together before her death in 2010. He is survived by his son, Melvin Potts and daughter Carroll (Jon) Jablonski; three granddaughters, Susan (Tim) Lloyd, Leanne (Wesley) Bender and Emily (Ryan) Moss; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Jackson Drubby Bender, his third great grandchild, was born in 2007. Although usually a quiet, reserved man by nature, Drubby was often heard to say, "THERE USED TO BE ONLY ONE "DRUBBY" IN THE THIS WORLD - NOW THERE ARE TWO !" Sadly we have now lost the original.
In lieu of flowers make donations to the University Of Tennessee Scholarship Fund.
Visitation Monday January 22nd 5 - 8 p.m. at Brentwood Funeral Home Graveside service Tuesday January 23rd 10 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery Franklin ,Tennessee. Brentwood Funeral Home - 615-373-3040
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