Franklin Johns
Franklin D. Johns, a resident of Apison, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2020, with his family by his side.
He was 83 years old and a lifetime resident of the Chattanooga area. He graduated from Tyner High School in 1955. While at Tyner, Frank was the co-captain of the football team. He then went on to attend Chattanooga State as well as Cleveland State. He served six years in the Tennessee National Guard, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. Frank enjoyed his 37 professional years at the DuPont Company. Starting as a machine operator, he worked his way through several management positions in manufacturing as well as the Industrial Technical Group. After extensive training and experience, he became a quality engineer for the remainder of his career.
In his free time, Frank enjoyed traveling with his wife Brenda, writing short stories, reading and spending time with family. Included in his writings, is a published series of autobiographical short stories entitled A Kid From Kings Point. He was also a devoted fan of UT football, Atlanta Braves and the Falcons, rarely missing a game. Those who knew Frank well will certainly remember him for his magnanimity. He was incredibly kind and generous and took great pleasure in extending a helping hand to anyone in need be it family, friend or stranger.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Brenda J. Johns. Brenda has tirelessly and selflessly cared for Frank for the past few years while he battled several illnesses. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Bertie Lou Glover Johns, father Howell Oliver Johns, and brother Harold Edward Johns. Frank is survived by his three sisters, Anna Lou Bowman, Betty Lois Morgan, and Joyce Marie Gaston. Other survivors include his children, Russell Alan Atkins, Jan Kimberly Williams and Claudine Nicole Kelly. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and one great grandchild: Brett Alan Atkins, Carley Angelina Atkins, John Livingston Ayers Kelly, William Cannon Kelly, Jordan Nahay, Jon Nahay and Hayden Nahay. Frank and Brenda were very generous and loving parents and grandparents, and they relished every moment they spent with their family.
The family will have a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.