Charlie Potts Jr., age 80, of Christiana, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at his residence.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Rutherford County and served in the United States Army. Charlie was a retired Rutherford County School Bus owner/operator and a farmer. He also served as a deputy under former Sheriff Robert Goodwin, and later as an officer at the Rutherford County workhouse. Charlie was also an avid bird hunter.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Potts and Willie Lee Blankenship Potts; brothers, Martin, James and Ellis Potts; and sisters, Katherine Hall and Jessie Duke. He is survived by his wife, Anna Selene Thomas Potts of Christiana; son, David (Kathy) Potts of Christiana; daughters, Sheila (Cooney) Smotherman of Christiana and Debbie (Joe) Morton of Christiana; brothers, Raymond (Nancy) Potts of Barfield Community; sisters, Sara Boykin of Murfreesboro, Thelma Pharris of Lebanon and Mary Potts of Murfreesboro; seven grandchildren, Shelly (Bo) Alexander, LeAnn (Joey) Story, Kelly Patterson, Davy (Terri) Potts, Chad (Robyn) Smotherman, Mike (Valerie) Potts and Jered (Christy) Smotherman; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A chapel service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home with Tim Posch officiating and speaker, Truman Jones, Jr. Burial will follow at Family Cemetery with grandsons and friends serving as active pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, and to Dr. Victor Gian and his staff for their care and compassion during Charlie’s illness.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home; 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com