Holly Springs Funeral Home

George Roundal Poteet Sr
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

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below. Your message will be published after review.


Name: Message:

Name: Daniel Hale Date: 7/18/2024 5:28:30 PM Message: So sorry for your loss, prayers to the family

Name: Gil and Diana Pratt Date: 7/18/2024 5:48:58 PM Message: We send our deepest sympathy to Cathy and family. Also to Stephanie, Jason, Georgia Grace and especially Graham who was a companion and helper to his Grandfather. He will have so many fond memories of the trips to the Salt Flats and the annual hunting trips. God Bless you all at this sad time. Gil and Diana

Name: Zach Straits Date: 7/18/2024 7:57:56 PM Message: I was honored and humbled to call George my friend. My life was enriched in so many ways by knowing him. Being able to work with him and for him in the car hobby was a once in a lifetime experience. He had a big heart. His support of Camp Light, a camp for special needs children in Virginia, was very special to me. I will miss him.

Name: Dr. John Woloszyn, Jonesboro,Arkansas Date: 7/18/2024 8:18:01 PM Message: My deepest sympathies to the entire family. I've known George for about 20 years, thru a mutual friend. He was a car "legend" in his own time and I enjoyed my conversations and joking with him. He was highly intelligent and a visionary. GOD BLESS.

Name: Donna Downs Date: 7/18/2024 11:46:03 PM Message: I will always remember George being so kind to my husband and me at the World of Wheel shows. He sent a beautiful note to me when my husband died in 2012. He always had nice things to say about our Hupmobiles. Donna Downs

Name: Jerry Magsig Date: 7/19/2024 2:39:59 AM Message: One of a kind gentleman, genuine friend an generous beyond measure. Will certainly be missed .RIP, friend

Name: Keith Warrren Date: 7/19/2024 2:50:44 AM Message: George, I feel fortunate to have know you, respected the depth of your knowledge and the love of the hobby we all enjoy. May God comfort you and your family in this time of need, RIP.

Name: Scott and Cathy Balsley also Camp LIGHT Date: 7/19/2024 3:03:59 AM Message: We meet George through my good friend Zach Straits and the car hobby . Zach and myself restored his blue 1961 ford starliner which is still in his collection. Getting to know George was a true honor . We have a nonprofit camp in Va. for children with special needs and at risk youth called Camp LIGHT. George generously donated several cars and John Deere tractors to us . Which we turned into funding for camp . We also made several trips to Bonneville speed week to watch him and many others race . Also for last 6 years we have come to Holly Springs dragway for fun day which Hutch put on to benefit Camp LIGHT. We can’t say thank you enough to George for his friendship and generosity. As always we loved listening to his car stories .. Sending our Prayers for the family in this difficult time ????.. Godspeed George

Name: bob oney Date: 7/19/2024 1:32:14 PM Message: george was a true valued friend for many years- may he rest in peace . condolences to his family. he was truly a great man.

Name: Beckie Levatino Date: 7/19/2024 1:36:12 PM Message: Cathy, I remember how you served my family when I had surgery. Your serving heart is a result of a good man that provides you with the time and finances to use your gifts. This man is honored among fathers and husbands. How wonderful to have had such a Godly man.

Name: Dan Haugh Date: 7/23/2024 2:44:17 AM Message: I met George Poteet by chance at Bonneville in 2016 when our car was in record certification for a Speedweek land speed record. Our vehicles are vastly different, mine a production-based car, and then Speed Demon, the streamliner next to it. Somewhat of an odd combination, but then repeated in 2020. We were next to George in the Speed Demon at the start line on our starboard side driving the long course, and he took off to run a 481 mph exit speed. The starter, Jill Iversen came to my car for final check, and I asked her what line I should take on the course.....she said without hesitation, "follow him"........so, that is what I did, indexing over the blue line to the right side of the course. We were 310mph slower than George, but it was the fastest speed we ever achieved, along with another record. Once again, both cars in record certification next to each other as well. So, of the six land speed records our racing team achieved, two of them were certified at the same time as George's Speed Demon. The odds are staggering against such a coincidence. To say I will miss George Poteet, would be only if I lost my entire memory faculties, and writing this story to share with others hopefully conveys the thrill and excitement to have been in the presence of a true gentleman racer. Godspeed George. Thank you for your added inspiration over the last 10 years, to help realize a dream from childhood that began in 1964.

Name: Thomas Hurn Date: 7/23/2024 1:18:20 PM Message: Betty, I am very sorry for your loss. I will always remember the time we shared at Bonneville and on the Good Guys tour events. My condolences to you and the family. Tommy

Name: kimmet l. poteet Date: 8/16/2024 5:11:00 PM Message: sorry to hear the news ,,a great man

Name: Tom Wilson Date: 9/12/2024 3:11:30 PM Message: my buddies and i met George at Bonneville he welcomed us into the Speed Demon Pit area and treated us like old friends. Meeting George and his crew was the highlight of our trip. A modest guy who shared his love of machinery.