MARION ANDREW POTTS SR.
Marion was preceded in death by daughter Sandie Michelle Potts, son William Anderson Potts, and sister-in-law June Lucas Brown.
Survivors include his wife Delorise Potts, spouse of 59 years; son Marion Potts Jr. (Leigh Anne); granddaughters Taylor and Macy Potts; grandsons Will (Taryn) and Cainan Potts; great-granddaughter Gwen Potts; sister-in-law Debra Lucas Weldon; brothers Mose Potts and James Nichols (Gloria); niece April Nichols Tatusko (Chris); and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Born in Elmore County, Marion graduated from Tallassee High School. After 24 years, he retired from the Navy as CPO. He then continued his work at Ampex Corporation and retired after 35 years. Marion loved his Lord and Savior and served as a deacon at Providence Baptist Church. He was actively involved with Carpenters for Christ, Disaster Relief, and the Lions Club. In his spare time, Marion enjoyed making quilts, working on lawn mowers, and helping anyone in need. He authored two booklets about his thoughts on everyday life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you make a donation in Marion’s memory to Carpenters for Christ (Lakeview Baptist Church, 600 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830) or Providence Baptist Church Building Fund (2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika, AL 36804).
JAMES VAN DUKEJames Van Duke, 91, passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2023, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Born on July 7, 1932, in Pepperell Village, James was a hardworking individual who dedicated his life to his passions and people. He loved to have fun.
James was a man of many talents and interests. He worked at Fredericks Funeral Home to support his education at Auburn University, where he excelled. His true passion, however, lay in building and construction. In his twenties, he built his first small commercial strip mall, which still stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship. James was also a writer, boater, traveler, fisherman and he loved to sing. He enjoyed camping and cherished the time he spent supporting his beloved Auburn football team, proudly shouting “War Eagle!”
James is survived by his daughters Toni Branyon Smucker, Elizabeth Lynn Hardison and Joanie Graham (Allen); his three grandchildren Brittany Anne Branyon (Richard Bradshaw), Eryn Cuniff (Joel) and Amber Skufa (Donnie); six great-grandchildren Jude Barrett Cole, Magnolia Ruth Bradshaw, Charlotte Skufa, Graham Skufa, James Cuniff and Jack Cuniff; nieces Pamela Hudman, Cynthia Landry (Michael), Sonya Green (Terry); mephews Andy Hudman (Karen), Joe McAdory (Kathy), Cameron Tarrh (Eryn) and Chandler Tarrh.
James was preceded in death by his parents Pearlie Mae Duke and William Owen Duke; son-in-law Phillip John Smucker; sisters Nella Mae Acton, Elizabeth Boddie and Betty Jo McAdory; brother Jack Gross; nieces Billie Hudman and Jackie Tarrh.
A graveside service was be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee, Alabama. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their final respects to James.
For the past 15 years he has called Town Village Assisted Living in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, home. They have been family and will hold a celebration of life at an upcoming date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pepperell Baptist Church, located at 2702 Second Ave. Opelika, Alabama 36801. Contributions will honor James’s memory and support the church’s important work. For more information, please contact Pepperell Baptist Church at 334-745-3108.
James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy as a hardworking entrepreneur, father and devoted friend will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Frederick-Dean funeral home and crematory directed.
JOSEPH WILLIAM LEONARD
Joseph William Leonard, passed away on Oct. 4, 2023, in Auburn, at the age of 87. He was born on Oct. 31, 1935, in Opelika, to his late parents, Emmet and Thelma Leonard.
Joseph is now reunited with his beloved wife, Ella Mae Leonard, who preceded him in death.
Joseph will be missed by his surviving children Rita Dauber (Bob), Ronald Leonard and Sandy Leonard (Shellie); his grandson Brian Dauber (Rachel) and his great-grandsons Brayden Dauber and Caleb Dauber. He is also survived by his siblings Jack, Jerry and Margie He was predeceased by his siblings James, John and Margaret.
Joseph served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. Following his military service, Joseph worked at West Point Pepperell, where he dedicated 47 years of his life. Joseph was a member of Farmville Baptist Church.
A private family interment will take place at Farmville Baptist Cemetery, where Joseph will be laid to rest. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time.
Joseph William Leonard will be remembered for his love for his family, his dedication to his country and his commitment to his work. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.