Kenneth Arnold Poteat's Obituary
Kenneth Arnold Poteat passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on May 27, 2026 at Novant Presbyterian in Mint Hill with his devoted wife, Evelyn, by his side.
His funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Locust, officiated by Dr. Tommy Ross, Jr. and Pastor Brandon Elkins on Tuesday, June 2nd at 3 PM. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary from 2 PM until 2:45 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.
Ken was born September 29, 1932 and reared in Kannapolis by his parents, Thomas Marvin Poteat and Mildred Gilliland Poteat. He was one of eight children and was preceded in death by his siblings, Norman, Imogene, Clinton, Phyllis, Miriam, and Jerry. He is survived by one younger brother, Keith (Vickie) Poteat.
Ken was educated at J.W. Cannon High School, earning his diploma during his four-year enlistment at Larson Air Force Base (formerly Moses Lake) in Washington. Upon returning home, he entered the dry-cleaning business and enjoyed car sales for the majority of his career, retiring from Fieldcrest Cannon’s shipping and receiving department. His interests included spending many hours at King’s Barn with beloved horses and boating with family at Lake Norman.
Later in life, Ken met Evelyn and was welcomed into her large family. They enjoyed two-step dancing at the Cabarrus County Saddle Club and other senior venues, numerous beach and mountain excursions, all while remaining active at First Baptist Church of Locust. There, they participated in Sunday School, worship, and CD ministry. Each summer, Ken and Evelyn enjoyed a large garden at their Midland home, as well as having livestock, horses, and chickens as long as their health allowed.
Those surviving family members include his wife of 21 years, Evelyn Smith Poteat; daughter, Julie Poteat Nickelson and fiancé, Jason; Debbie (John) Fink; Kenny Poteat; Jody (Keith) Johnston; and Tim Poteat. Also surviving are grandchildren Jamie Sartain, Jacob Nickelson, Jeremiah Nickelson, Brad (Hannah) Fink, Katie Poteat, Sara Poteat and Derek Irvin, Connor Poteat and fiancée Jill, Holland Poteat, and Chandler (Danielle) Johnston. Other survivors include 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as Evelyn’s children, Allen (Donna) Smith, David (Susan) Smith, Djunna (Greg) Wellman, Jody Smith, and grandchildren Sarah (Dusty) Boyd, Michael Smith, Jamie Talley, Kenny Talley, and five great-grandchildren, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by grandsons Ben Poteat and Adam Fink; great-grandson Kenneth Sartain; granddaughter Caitlin Stokes; and great-granddaughter Raelynn Halladay.
The family is grateful for the loving care shown by Rhiennen Baker of Bayada Assistive Care. “Rhi” became family these last few months. Also, the staff of Novant Mint Hill and Hospice have been invaluable.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church of Locust, 320 S. Central Ave., Locust, NC 28097, or Novant Palliative Care – Mint Hill, 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC 28215.
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