of Conway, AR
August 2, 1937 - September 16, 2022
Don L. Potter of Conway, Arkansas was born on August 2, 1937 and went to be with his Savior on September 16, 2022. He was preceded in death by his mother, Leota Hicks Phillips; his father, Talmadge Potter; his son, Chase Potter and his brother, Keith Potter.
He is survived by his beloved ''bride'', Cathy Hilton Potter; his daughter, Charlotte Patton (Ralph); his grandsons, Jarod Green (Samantha) and Corey Green (Ashley); great-grandson, Joe Green (Kaia); great-granddaughter, Emma; his great-great granddaughter, Charlotte Mae Green; mother-in-law, Murrell Hilton; sister-in-law, Donna Hopper (Robin); niece, Suzanne Roach (Craig); nephews, Robert and Ross Hopper and grand-nephew, Owen Roach.
Don never met a stranger and greeted loved ones with a grin, a hug and a reminder to ''move your parts.'' He had a heart for serving others and went out of his way to make each person he encountered feel seen and loved. Don adored his family, putting their needs first.
Don earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He began his career as a draftsman and went on to work as an engineer for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department for 40 years. After the highway department, he worked for the City of Searcy, Arkansas and for the Tyler Group until his retirement from the industry. Don earned multiple professional honors throughout his career and was the Faulkner County Leadership Institute's 2015 Leadership Award recipient.
Don's interests and activities were varied and numerous. He was a member of Toastmasters, Kiwanis of Conway and Four Winds Church. He was involved with K-Life, Key Club, Young Life and Excel Upward; Don also served as a CASA advocate from 2006 through 2013. He loved ministering to the Matamoros Children's Home in the community of Matamoros, Mexico, where he served on an annual mission trip.
Coined ''the Godfather'' of the Conway running community, Don's love of the sport was known and respected statewide. His first official race was in Southwest Little Rock's Otter Creek area; he did not record his finish time and he ran in a pair of cutoff jean shorts. He went on to race many courses of various distances, in proper running shorts and his impressive running credentials included five Boston Marathon finishes. Notably, Don was a founding member of the Conway Running Club. He was also the founding director of Chase Race & Paws, established in memory of his son, from 2006 until 2018. He served on many race boards throughout the years, including but not limited to, the Conway Kids Triathlon, which he also co-founded and the Toad Suck 5K/10K. Local runners adored Don, who often corralled them to begin their daily miles with a commanding whistle and a reminder that ''it never rains at the barn.''
Found among Don's keepsakes was the poem, ''Don't Waste It,'' which reads in part: " ..Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. ..Encourage someone who has lost faith. Keep a promise. Forget an old grudge. Examine your demands on others and vow to reduce them. Fight for a principle. Express your gratitude. Overcome an old fear. Take two minutes to appreciate the beauty of nature. Tell someone you love them. Tell them again. And again. And again.''.
Don's visitation will be held Friday, September 23, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and his service will be held at 12:00 p.m. both at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. His interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Conway.
Don requested runners/walkers please follow the procession from the funeral home to the cemetery and leave a pair of running shoes at his grave to be buried with him. All are invited to join in running his final race.
Appreciated Don and his success of strengthening the Conway running community. Particularly, he encouraged and supported me with building healthy communities initiatives in a practical fashion. He will be missed.
Don Potter was the epitome of 2 Timothy 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24. You were loved by so many and your legacy will live on through the lives you have impacted. We were so blessed to have known you we will miss you greatly.
Cathy, may the Lord comfort you during this time and we hope you feel the love and support of those who share in your loss.
I met Don through the Conway Running Club which I joined after graduating college. He immediately made me feel welcome and part of the group/family. I'll never forget his kindness, nor his smile. He was one of a kind.
I will miss Don. He was one of my guiding lights while growing up. He and his family came to my rescue when a church group from Florence, AL with Bob Bryson were going to stay at my home for the night but my father decided they couldn't. Don offered his home to us and we all went and crashed there instead.
He was a good man, one that lived his beliefs and made no bones about it. I would always say howdy when I ran into him at the Highway Dept. He was always smiling when I saw him. He didn't hide his light under a bushel. I lost contact with him after he retired from AHTD but he, along with Brooks Nichols, stayed in my thoughts. So long, my friend, and I look forward to seeing you again when I leave this world.
I first met Don and his wife (Oleda) in the late 70's when a few of us began the Bryant Church of Christ. Don was the organizer and we became good friends. My wife (Janet) and I soon built a house just a few doors down from where they lived. Don would usually remember my birthday and give me a call. Don was always friendly and kind to be with. He will be missed.
Cathy, so sorry for your loss. Sending you my deepest condolences, hugs and prayers. Don will be missed.
Cathy, our sincerest condolences. Don was a shining star to all of us that knew him. His legacy will live on.
Don was an exceptional man. He told me the story of how he met my Dad on the UCA running track and other adventures they shared. I am so very sorry for your loss.
It is comforting to know Don is busy arranging a 5K in heaven.
Cathy, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Don were such an admirable couple. He was such a loving person. Also, I was inspired by his commitment to exercise and stay healthy!
Don Potter was the epitome of 2 Timothy 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24. You were loved by so many and your legacy will live on through the lives you have impacted. We were so blessed to have known you we will miss you greatly.
Cathy, may the Lord comfort you during this time and we hope you feel the love and support of those who share in your loss.
Cathy, I don't have words that adequately reflect how sorry I am for the loss of Don. My heart is with you. I am so grateful for everything you both have done for the running community and beyond.
There will never come a day when I don't have a hearty laugh thinking about the time Don thought I was a little kid that got swept up in a soaring wings training run. He brought so much joy and love to so many.
He was the very epitome of the camaraderie one feels running with friends. Always a joy to see him. Always had a positive word on his lips. I'll keep moving my parts Don, but I will miss you.
We love you Don!!! Thanks for always making us feel special and ‘seen’!! Anytime you came to the salon it was “ the best day everâ€!! Those are your words and words to live by. Rest well good and faithful servant.
Well done-You finished the race in style! See you in Heaven!
Cathy, we send sincere condolences on your great loss. Don was beloved by so many and we pray comfort for you and his family.
Don was an encourager. A tireless supporter of the people and the causes he loved. I’m so grateful for all the memories I have with him!
Mr. Potter was very nice to me when I deejayed the chase race. May he rest in peace.
I moved to Minnesota 21 years ago, but every time I can back to visit my family in Conway, I would see Don. He welcomed me when I started running 1995 in Conway. CRC was a staple in my life and I will never forget the group or Don. I’m so sad, but I know he is an angel up there shouting… I love you all!
I am so very sorry and send my condolences.
Don was one of the best. Prayers for Cathy and family. Nancy
I’ll cherish the first time running with a group in Conway and Don asking my name and welcoming me. I’ll also remember us running side by side in my first marathon in Memphis and snapping a selfie of us. He truly was a sweet and kind man. My thoughts are with you, Cathy.
My condolences to Cathy and others in the Potter family. Don was a special person to so many people in the running club, his church, and the town of Conway. His memory will not be forgotten. I am honored to have known Don.
I'll see you at the finish line. Don.
Peace and Love to all family
We are so thankful to have known such a kind and generous man.
Truly one of a kind. Thank you for your friendship and kindness. Prayers for Cathy and the rest of the family.
I'll never forget Don's advice to "move your parts". Good advice to live by. He will be missed.
The Stubbs family of Little Rock, Mac, Vena, Shelly and Tim ran with Don in many races through the years and enjoyed being with him each race. He was always so very nice with that big smile. What a pleasure he was to be around. God bless the family and Run In Peace MR. Potter.
I think of this poem when I think of Don.
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
I will miss him every single day.
I’m grieving with all that knew Potter. Potter, Danny Williams ( my late husband) and Jimmy Greene were all you needed to encourage you to keep running. I pray for Cathy and the family.
I hope you are running with Danny now, telling and listening to all the corny jokes.
No more pain or worries; until we meet again.â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Don always had a big smile, and hug waiting for you, when you bumped into him.
I will miss that!
Don hired me some 51 yrs ago at the AR Highway & Transportation Department now known as ARDOT. He was a great boss and friend!! I will always remember him for the respect and leadership shown to me.
I’ll miss you Potter, I’ll really miss you. You made me smile.
Well done, good and faithful servant. You gave us wisdom and daily walked out what you taught. Thank you for always being there for so many! Enjoy your rest as you walk with those you have blessed. You were a life changing friend and brother.
RIP, Don Potter
I shall, for always, have that smile in my heart.
Don,
Ron Mitchell and I both, love you. He enjoyed visiting with you at CRFC. When going there for pool therapy, he would always-always say “I hope I see Don today; I so love talking with that manâ€. Now, he can, again.
I know you are busy catching up with your people, but would you please tell Ron Mitchell, his Baby Doll says hello and misses him terribly.
You, Don Potter, are one of my favorite people-EVER
Don was a man of God that loved encouraging everyone that he encountered. Don gets to walks the streets of gold with his son Chase and other family that has gone before!
Prayers going up to Cathy and the family!
Don was special to me and my family. He helped marry my wife Carol and I in 1988. 35 years later he married my oldest daughter Jessica and her husband Blake. He love life.
My prayers are with Cathy and the rest of Don's family. So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Don.
I've enjoyed getting to know Don over the last few years. He and I served on several boards and committees within the Kiwanis organization. He was always such a positive individual and was always up for a hug. One thing about Don that I loved was those genuine and energetic prayers he would give. Kiwanis won't be the same without you! Will miss you tons!!!
A man everyone loved and respected. He will be missed by many.
A very kind man who will be sorely missed by many. My deepest sympathy to the family.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Don for 25 years as a patient at the dental office I work at. He was always such a sweet, kind man. Always encouraging and never left without a hug. I will truly miss him and his smiling face. My condolences to the family. May God surround you in the coming days.
Don L. Potter will always hold a very special place in my heart. This man helped me really enjoy volunteering especially with The Chase Race in Conway and Kiwanis in general. He always wished me luck in college. I will miss him forever. Such a nice soul will be missed because of how much love people had for him. He has left a great legacy that will not be forgotten.
Don was a true gentleman. I feel blessed to have known him. My deepest condolences to Cathy and his family.
Too much love in his heart for his earthly body to bind, Such a great man, A true example of God’s love
RIP Don. One of the most encourage people I’ve been blessed to know. Don is on a run now with Jesus beside him. God bless.
Going to miss you friend. So thankful for getting to know you. I especially enjoyed all our years on the Toad Suck 5k/10k Committee together. You were one of a kind. Our community is a better place because of you.
As so many have already mentioned, Don had a profound impact on everyone that we had the fortune of jointlyknowing. He will be missed.
Don was a loving, generous and compassionate person and boss. He was an asset to to all the organizations in which he participated. He will be sorely missed.
Going to miss the conversations and runs with my good friend. May the world remember the love you shown everyone with you were Running through Earth.