Franklin Bell

Franklin R. Bell age 86 of Paris, died Friday, October 1, 2021, at his residence.

Franklin worked as a farmer before doing public work. He worked for Dreshu, Southern Clay, Emerson Electric, and the Highway Department before retiring in 1998 from Midland Brake. He enjoyed working outside, especially mowing and gardening. Talking to others about the Bible was his passion. He loved his family and was a good provider for them. Franklin was immensely proud to be 5-gallon blood donor. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Born August 6, 1935, near Cottage Grove, he was the son of the late Bulon Baudry Bell and Lottie Ray Bell.

He was married August 30, 1952, to Ramona Flowers Bell, who survives of Paris.

Along with his wife, survivors include his four daughters, Joyce Williams of Paris, Frankie (Lonnie) Touchstone of Friendsville, TN, Lois (Bobby) Mobley of Greenbriar, TN, and Angela (Patrick) Payton of Lebanon, TN; one son, Finis (Dianne) Bell of Paris; eleven grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren and one great- great granddaughter on the way.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Elsie Bell, and one brother, Baudry Bell.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/ P.O. Box 788 Paris, TN, 38242. Visitation will be Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 3:30 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with John Dale officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jamie Williams, Jason Touchstone, Levi Touchstone, Bruce Touchstone, Benji Payton, and Bobby Mobley. Waymon Bustle will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Burial will be in VanDyke Church of Christ Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: TN Children’s Home, P.O. Box 10, Spring Hill, TN 37174.