Rufus Franklin Poteat, 77, of Connelly Springs, passed away at Carolina Caring on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, following a period of declining health.
Rufus was born June 17, 1946, in Burke County. He served in the United States Army from 1967-1969 in Vietnam. In his civilian career, he worked in the telecommunications industry for 38 years. He was a line technician and repair worker prior to advancing into cable splicing.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 46 years, Karen Poteat; stepchildren, Phillip Murray Rockett, Jeffrey Preston Rockett, and Evette Lynn Respess; grandchildren, Heather Setzler and Hannah Setzler; numerous nieces and nephews; and his wonderful caregivers, nephew, Scott Seagle, cousin, Gayle Rhoney, and Lori Tibbs and Jack Poteat, who both played a large role in his care.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.
I’ve known Frank Poteat for a number of years. He was a very devoted husband and loved his family very much. Such a sweet and caring person to everyone he knew. My prayers go out to his precious wife Karen and their family. He will be greatly missed. . Love you Frank. Keep smiling from above.
From your Virginia Family
My heartfelt sympathy to Karen and all the family. Frank and I spent many years working for the phone company. All of us that got to know Frank appreciated his skill as a technician and his gift of creating and making tools that helped make work easier and safer.
My sympathy to Karen and his family, I went to school with Frank, Always a good friend. Good bye dear Friend.
My Heart goes out to Karen, Murray, Jeff and Evette. Our families have been friends since we were kids. When Frank came into their lives first as a friend then as devoted husband and stepfather who was a great role model. We consider our selves fortunate to have known him and been friends. We will miss his presence..RIP Frank.
So sorry Karen to hear about Frank. Carolyn and myself sends love to you and prayers.
I I’m so very sorry for your loss.
We love your family dearly. I am so very sorry. I remember when he would come to the dealership to deliver goodies to Evette and I would get my hugs and some witty comments. Loved him. Prayers to you Karen and all the family.
So sorry for your loss, our prayers for all the family.
Frank and Karen have been wonderful neighbors for over 30 years. He will truly be missed. We love you, Karen.
You have our sincere condolences. Frank was a longtime friend. I worked with him many years. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Karen and family,
We are so sorry to hear this about Frank. He and Jim worked together for 38 years. Prayers and blessings to you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear about Frank. He and I go back to our teenage years growing up in Connelly Springs! And, we worked together over 35 years with Centel/Sprint/Embarq/CenturyLink. He will surely be missed! My Prayers are with Karen and the family.