After a life filled with adventure, hard work, generous service, and a humorous disposition, David Potts, of Fairfield, Illinois, passed away surrounded by family on July 1, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born Dennis David Harold Potts on March 13, 1938, to Paul Potts and Lydia Belle Dixon, he was the sixth of nine children. He lived in Arkansas, California, Missouri, and Texas, but called Illinois home. As a young man, he excelled on the football field as a standout player for the Fairfield Mules, but his greatest accomplishments would be found in the life he built with his family.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Norma Clair (White) Potts; his adored sons, Jeffrey (Dana) Potts and Kevin (Rebekah) Potts; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Justin) Millerberg, Jena (Mark) Curtis, Logan Potts, James (Stephanie) Cline and Carol Cline; his treasured great-grandchildren, Jon Curtis, Andrew Curtis and Luke Cline. He is also survived by his siblings: Gary Potts, Johnny Potts, Joyce Turner, and Glenda Isles.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Jerry Potts, Willam Potts, Chuck Potts, Charles Dixon, Delores Rose.
For many years, David worked as a foreman at Airtex, where he earned the respect of coworkers through his no-nonsense work ethic, leadership, and his practical jokes.
David never met a project he wasn’t willing to tackle. If something was broken, he was determined to fix it. He served others without expecting anything in return. He logged many hours supporting his kids and grandkids in their endeavors from music to sports to education and beyond. His generosity and dependable spirit left an indelible impression on everyone who knew him.
He found joy in the simple pleasures of life; camping and traveling with his wife in their RV, searching for interesting rocks, carving wood into keepsakes, and spending evenings playing dominoes or cards with family and friends. He loved telling stories from his younger days, often embellishing them just enough to keep everyone laughing and impressed. His colorful expressions, quick wit, and humorous turns of phrase became part of his legacy, bringing smiles to countless faces.
Above all, David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He lived a life defined by service, faith, generosity, and love. He was deeply respected, greatly admired, and dearly loved. Though his loved ones will miss his stories, his laughter, and his steady presence, they find comfort knowing that his legacy lives on in the lives he touched as they look forward to seeing him in Heaven.
A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at 1pm on Monday, July 6th, at the Johnson and Vaughn in Fairfield, IL, with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in David’s memory—lend a hand, fix something for a neighbor, share a story that makes someone laugh, or spend time with those you love. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome.
