George Roundal Poteet, Senior, may have appeared to most as a quiet, southern,
simple spoken man, but those who knew him understood (and were awed by) his
superhero repeated speed deeds combined with his laser beam focused
observational skills that allowed him to keep track of those he loved his entire life.
Born at home on February 22, 1948, the son of the late James Alfred (Sambo) and
Annie Lue (Walker) Poteet in Mantachie, Mississippi, he stopped the clocks of his
earthly race and tender influence on July 16, 2024, leaving brokenhearted beloved
sister Betty Diane (Poteet) Howard, treasured wife of 33 years Cathy and precious
children George Roundal Poteet, Jr. (Amy), Kimberly Diane Harbert (Brent),
Stephanie McOlgan (Jason), Bethina Lopez (Bobby) together with niece Kathryn
Howard.
Poteet unflinchingly cherished his grandchildren: Lauren Knight, Sarah Dempsey,
Grant Poteet, Abbey, Allison and Anna Harbert, Georgia Grace and Graham
McOlgan, Tony, Lily, and Alivia Lopez, as well as great grandchildren Jameson
Poteet and Daphne Dempsey.
A remarkably balanced man, Poteet was as dedicated to his community as he was
to his speed craft. He was a faithful and constant supporter of Central Church in
Collierville, TN and several other charities. Whether dressed in fireproof Nomex
and a helmet and strapped into his thundering 481MPH streamliner, or in overalls
and a cap astride his tractor grooming the grass in Holly Springs, he lived a life
overflowing with gentle generosity.
Poteet extracted great joy by participating in the Holly Springs, Mississippi
community that meant just as much as his repeated earned honors given to him in
the car culture for building jaw-dropping street rods that mirrored rolling jewelry.
From his humble beginnings in rural Itawamba County, his life progressed toward
the greatness he is known for. As a teenager he confirmed his faith by being
baptized at Lakeland Baptist Church. He began driving a school bus at age 15, then
became a high school football star, worked through junior college while starting a
family, then began his career in finance that progressed through the decades until
retiring in 2020 as Executive Partner from Juice Plus/NSA. Never a bombastic big-
shot, Poteet was ever mindful that his soul was the only wealth worth seeking
daily. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
Mark 8:36
So many who knew him would agree that George Poteet was a most uncommon
“lightning rod of calm” imbuing others with thoughts of leaping beyond their self-
imposed limits, or worth. The 76 year-old passed onward holding a 471MPH
World Record in the Speed Demon, his prized mechanical speed steed, as well as
great esteem from the Memphis Street Rods Car Club and many other clubs and
organizations where he was a long-time member. Consider this from the racing
community:
“The Speed Demon Racing Team members are completely crushed at the news of
George crossing his final finish line; he gave us the ability to be better than we
ever thought we could be,” said Team Manager Steve Watt. Along with Steve Watt
and previous Manager Ron Main the team battled nearly 20 years for National and
World Speed Records. “It wasn’t about the racing as much as how we conducted
ourselves, and by giving back to the sport we all loved. We improved ourselves in
so many ways that allow us to go forward trying to continue what George ignited
in each of us.”
Poteet’s dignified creativity and integrity saw him inducted into the Dry Lakes
Racing Hall of Fame. He enhanced the status of the entire hot rod trade inspiring the
SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance to acknowledge him on its world stage. Poteet’s
trophies, records and contributions — personal and financial are extensive.
Poteet strove his entire life, with unbridled mortal humility, to build a legacy for
his family to remember -- something that lasts, that was meaningful. He did so
with few words, but countless actions. We should all be as humble to do likewise.
Funeral services for Mr Poteet will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Central Church (2005 Winchester, Collierville, Tennessee 38017). A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 am, and will continue until the service begins at noon. Burial will be at Stephens Cemetery, in Mantachie, Mississippi, on Saturday, July 20, at 10:30 am. The Holly Springs Funeral Home has charge.
Please show your love and appreciation with a
contribution that will provide lasting help. Choose either:
Itawamba Historical Society
for the
George Poteet History Center
Post Office Box 7, Mantachie, MS 38855
Central Church
2005 E Winchester Blvd
Collierville TN 38017