Mr. Franklin D. Townsley, 80, of Bimble, passed away Sunday evening, January 29, 2023 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was the son of the late Dee E. and Mary Newman Townsley born on February 22, 1942 in Knox County.
Frank was a former employee at Rapp Lumber Co. and later was a manager with Northside Supply. He was an active member and deacon at the Beacon Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends from church. He had a way of bringing joy and laughter to everyone he was around. Frank enjoyed playing golf, camping, bowling, coaching the church softball team, attending NASCAR races and other events his children and grandchildren participated in throughout the years. He also enjoyed building things and doing handy work for his family and friends and was lovingly called “Bob the Builder”. Those who knew him, knew he was a man that lived for and loved the Lord.
On December 17, 1964, he united in marriage with Lorraine Mills and to this union two children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Townsley; his parents-in-law, Fount and Grace Mills; a sister, Barbara Hinkle and brothers, Ed Mills and Lloyd Townsley.
Survivors include his loving wife, Lorraine Townsley of Bimble; a son, Jeff Townsley and wife, Brandi, of Greeneville, TN; a daughter-in-law, Amy Townsley of Barbourville; a sister, Vivian Smith of Barbourville; sisters-in-law, Loretta Rogers and Linda Elam both of Barbourville; a brother-in-law, Lawrence Mills and wife, Tracy, of London; cherished grandchildren, Austin Townsley, Adam Townsley and wife, Paije, Alan Townsley and wife, Haley, Ali, Walker and Kayla Townsley; great grandchildren, Baylee, Braxton, Braylen, Brenna and Branson Townsley and Peyton and Gus Townsley; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted at the Beacon Baptist Church Friday, February 3 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Dennis Chesnut, Rev. Pat Chesnut and Charles Calloway officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Pat Smith, Tony Mills, Dennis Rogers, Mark Rogers, Kevin Rogers, Travis Rogers, Blake Mills, Tyler Mills, Gary Lambert and Donnie Corbin. Honorary bearers will be his beloved church family and the staff at the Barbourville ARH Hospital, who showed great love and compassion to Frank and his family.
Friends may visit at the church Thursday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Friday after 10 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of FRANKLIN D. TOWNSLEY.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
