Melvin B. Potts

View Video Tribute View Funeral Webcast Melvin B. Potts, 80, a loved well-known life-long resident of Columbia, died Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Friday 12:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Terry Peery officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and Friday from 11:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to West Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery, c/o Rosanne Williams, 206 Carter’s Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born February 21, 1941 in Maury County, he was the son of the late Frank N. Potts and the late Virginia Lena Rummage Potts. He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School and he served in the United States Army. Mr. Potts worked for 40 years as an Engineer for CSX and L&N Railroad, where he retired and never missed a day of work. An avid animal lover, he loved his cows, dogs, and working on his farm. Mr. Potts was a member of West Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Sanders Potts of Columbia; sons, Derrick Potts of Columbia; Chris (Franny) Potts of Columbia; grandchildren, Austin Potts, Christopher Potts, and Peyton Potts; step grandchild, Joseph Ridley; great grandchild, Clara Mae Potts; sister, Alma Sisk of Columbia; and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Frank A. Potts. Active pallbearers will be Austin Potts, Peyton Potts, Christopher Potts, Joseph Ridley, Ronnie “Butch” Sanders, and Timmy Sanders. Honorary pallbearers include CSX and L&N Employees, Railroad Retirement Breakfast Friends, members of West Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Matthew Judd, Lonnie Compton, Jr., Andy Smithson, Colton Floyd, and Sammy Patterson.