Douglas Stephen Potts, 69, of Pikeville, Tennessee, passed away on August 10th, 2026, from a sudden heart attack.

Doug was born on October 8th, 1956, in Melbourne, Florida, to Jewell and Elsie Potts. His parents ran a service station, and his maternal grandparents ran a nursery. He spent his childhood helping with the family businesses, where he developed a strong work ethic and a willingness to always lend a helping hand. He graduated from Cocoa High School and attended BCC.

Although his father wanted him to take over the service station, Doug’s dream was to become a police officer. In 1980, he started work as a vice officer. He spent the rest of his career in various roles within the Palm Bay Police Department and retired at the rank of major. He made many lifelong friends and enjoyed his law enforcement family.

Doug was a loving and devoted husband and father. Despite a demanding career, he always made time for his family. In 2020, Doug and his wife, Trudy, moved to Pikeville, Tennessee. Doug loved the peace of the countryside and the companionship of friends and neighbors in the town of Pikeville.

Doug loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed numerous hobbies, including fly-fishing, sailing, woodturning, metal detecting, knife-making, photography, and R.V. traveling. Doug enjoyed making gifts for his family and friends. He loved his dogs and liked to feed the birds and wildlife on his property. He leaves behind a legacy of love and an appreciation for creative arts and nature.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Trudy Potts; his children, Danielle Barnett (Matt) and Kristy Adkins (Cliff). He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherrill Potts (Bruce), and his parents, Jewell and Elsie Potts.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 21st, at 2 P.M. at Fall Creek Falls Recreation Center in Spencer, Tennessee.

Condolences can be made at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com. Pikeville Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.