Thomas E. Potts Sr., 77, of Indianapolis, passed away Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 at St. Francis Beech Grove Hospital.

Born March 8, 1933, he was the son of Earl and Maude Potts.

He married JoAnn King on May 6, 1956.

Tom graduated from Mt. Olympus High School and the University of Indianapolis, where he played basketball and baseball and later graduated from Butler University with a masters of science degree in education and administration. A career in education and coaching concluded with his retirement in 1994 as principal of Franklin Central High School.

Tom loved sports and the outdoors. He was an active member of Acton United Methodist Church and the Franklin Township Lions Club. His family and friends will dearly miss his wit and caring spirit.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn; sons, Thomas Potts, Jr. (Leslie), Timothy Potts (Susan); daughter, Amy Mozingo (Mike); brother, Paul Potts (Rose); sister, Opal Mae Kramer; grandchildren, Allyson Chandler (Ronnie), Kevin Potts, Ryan Potts, Zachary Potts, Joshua Timothy Potts, Abby Mozingo, Elliott Mozingo; and great-grandchildren, Jaylen Ryan, Logan and Masin Chandler.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Emery Potts (Vera).

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. (eastern) Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 at Acton United Methodist Church, 5650 Senour Road, Indianapolis with the Rev. Vickie Hobbs officiating. Burial will be at Orchard Hill Cemetery in Wanamaker.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Stirling-Gerber Chapel, 5950 E. Thompson Road in Indianapolis and again at 10 a.m. until the service hour on Wednesday at the church.