In Loving Memory of “Daddy”

Johnny, a name that shines so bright, A beacon of love, a guiding light.

As father, you were strong and true, In every step, we followed you.

A loving heart so full of grace, A special touch, a warm embrace.

Through every storm, through every tear, You held us close, you calmed our fear.

As granddad, you brought joy anew,

With laughter and love in all you’d do.

The stories, lessons, hugs so warm,

You sheltered us through every storm.

A coach, not just of game and skill,

But of life's values, heart, and will.

You shaped young souls, you taught with care,

Leaving wisdom everywhere.

In the community, your legacy stands,

A role model with steady hands.

A leader, friend, with a heart so kind,

Your impact, endless, left behind.

Though now you rest in heaven’s grace,

Your spirit fills this sacred space.

daddy, your love will never depart,

You live forever in our hearts …we love you daddy

--- JP and Prissy

Johnny Cornelius Potter III was born March 12, 1947, to the late Johnnie Cornelius Potter, Jr. and Dorothy McClain in Dothan, Alabama.

Johnny met and married his high school sweetheart the late Valerie Deloris Cummings Potter and in this union were born two children, Johnny Cornelius Potter IV (JP) and Rashada Presshunda Potter Johnson (Prissy).

Johnny received Christ at an early age at Hines Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Johnny attended Southside Elementary School for 1st through 3rd grades, Montana Street Elementary 4th through 6th grades, and Carver High School for 7th through 12th grades, where he then matriculated to Alabama State University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision.

His professional career began as an elementary teacher in Dothan City Schools. He was a renowned educator who was loved and respected by administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents and most of all the community. In 1969 he was the only male teacher at Stringer Street Elementary when he was asked to be the football coach of the Mighty Bulldogs of Stringer Street. During his 8-years of coaching at Stringer Street, he accumulated five football championships and one basketball championship in 1976. In 1977, he became a coach at Beverlye Middle School and helped guide the school to years of success. Johnny also began coaching baseball in 1969 during the summers for the city league. His public-school coaching career ended in 1989. However, his devoted and steadfast love for teaching and coaching continued until his retirement in 2007.

Although his accomplishments on the playing field were many, his most rewarding accomplishment was witnessing youth pursue their purpose. Johnny was a champion and untiring supporter of all children. After his retirement, he continued to involve himself with the youth of Dothan.

As an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, he continued to advocate for equality for black youth in Dothan City Schools by hosting summer programs at Stringer Street.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memories a loving son, Johnny C. Potter IV (Mandisa), daughter, Rashada Presshunda Potter Johnson (Ernest), both of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters: Winnifred Danzey, Lavonda Renay Potter and Barbara Potter, Dothan, Alabama; brother-in-law, Cornell Cummings, Tallahassee, Florida; sister-in-law, LaDora Cummings, Dothan, Alabama; grandchildren: Demetrius, Jenay, Jada, Joseph, Jada, Johanna, Jordan, Jeremiah: special friend, Eva Fletcher, Dothan, AL.