Franklin Smith Obituary, Brownsville TN, Former Mayor of Haywood County Has Died
Franklin Smith Obituary, Death – Franklin Smith, III, 72, of Haywood County, died in Chester County, Tennessee, early Monday, April 24, 2023. He was born in Brownsville, Tennessee, on May 21, 1950, to the late Albert F. Smith, Jr. “Shorty” and Norma Lee Freeman. Franklin was elected Mayor of Haywood County for the first time in August 1986 and served for 26 years.
He was the “Cornerstone of the Megasite” who would shape west Tennessee for many years to come. Franklin was a founding member of the WestStar leadership program, as well as a member of many other transformational organizations, including the Jaycees, Rotary, NAACP, Mississippi River Basin Authority, Haywood County Christmas Baskets, Boys & Girls Club, and many more. Franklin was a leading influence behind the Mustard Seed, Christmas Basket Radiothon, and Vision Haywood County projects, all of which assisted hundreds of Haywood County residents. He was never too busy to help any charity that asked for his help, as long as it helped those in need. He was everyone’s friend and never said “no” to anyone in need of assistance. Franklin was a dedicated public servant who genuinely cared about Haywood County.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Trish Olness Smith of Chester County; brother Steve Smith (Cindy), sister, Lynn Prussia (Steve), his children, Lauren Morris (Jason) of Mount Dora, FL, Jenny Scott (Jason) of Brownsville, TN, Freeman Smith (Mandy) of Brownsville, TN and two stepchildren, Nicole Umstead (Anthony) of Henderson, TN and Rachel Lycan (Bruce) of San Antonio, TX. Franklin had 12 grandchildren in total.
Jenny Scott and Michael Banks will attend Franklin’s memorial ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Brownsville First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Sammy Tillman and Bro. Ben Cowell. Friends are welcome to pay their respects to the Smith family at First United Methodist Church on Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Wednesday morning from 9:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM. Donations in Franklin Smith’s memory should be made to the Insouth Bank Franklin Smith Memorial Fund (Vision Haywood County) or the Christ Episcopal Church in Brownsville, Tennessee.