Ronald R. Potts

Ronald R. Potts of Tallahassee passed away on January 15 surrounded by his family and loved ones. Ron was born October 1, 1951, to Russell and Betty Potts in Zanesville, Ohio. Ron graduated from Wooster High School and held a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a Masters degree in Geological Engineering. He was a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Professional Geologist (P.G.). Ron had a long and productive career. He was an Assistant Professor of Geology at Arkansas Tech University, worked as an expert geology and hydrology consultant, and eventually retired from the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Every possible spare moment was spent at the family farm where Ron tended his Chestnut and Paw-Paw fruit groves, and longleaf pine trees. Over 27 years of stewardship, the farm was drastically improved to reflect a native north Florida habitat by restoring native trees, wildflowers, and wildlife. His favorite farm activities were chopping sweet gum trees and mowing on the tractor while wearing his trademark cowboy hat. Ron was a lifelong outdoorsman and especially enjoyed rockhounding, fishing, birding, astronomy, and amateur meteorology. He was a master of the dad joke and pun. His passion towards desserts and sweets of all sorts was well documented in the family lore - particularly for his 70th birthday, he enjoyed all the ice cream he could eat followed by a milkshake for dessert. Jazz, bluegrass, and folk country were Ron’s favorite musical styles. He was a big fan of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Chris Botti, John Denver, and Jimmy Buffet. During a brief departure from his classics in 1988, he likely set a world record for non-stop playing of the song “Kokomo”, almost driving his teenage son and daughter insane. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 43 years, Elsa Potts, son Robert Potts (Ellen), daughter Marcy Sieg (Michael), granddaughter Catherine Potts, and grandson Carson Sieg. He also leaves sister Marilyn Butzer of Wooster Ohio, and a niece, nephews, and extended family members and friends. His family is very grateful for all the love and care shown to them by their family and friends. We thank all the staff at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and Big Bend Hospice who provided care for Ron. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Bevis Funeral Home (200 John Knox Rd.). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Big Bend Hospice https://bigbendhospice.org/, The First Baptist Church of Greensboro FL firstbaptistchurch2@tds.net, or The Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/. Niki Carney of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193) is assisting the Potts family with their arrangements.

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Ronald R. Potts

October 1, 1951 - January 15, 2025