Reverend Frank Proffitt died after his courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, July 1, 2018, in Jonesborough, Tenn., at the age of 85.
Frank is survived by his wife Polly; daughter Joan (Ronnie) Payne; son Emmett (Julia) Proffitt; grandchildren Kristie Payne, Sherwin (Butch) Taylor, Carrie (Reuben) Lee, David Payne, Andrew Proffitt, Todd (Lacey) Proffitt and Ryan (Amanda) Proffitt; 13 great-grandchildren; and sister Nan Foster.
He was preceded in death by father David Wesley “DW” Proffitt; mother Lucy Tipton Proffitt; grandson Ronnie Lee Payne Jr.; and nine brothers and sisters.
Frank was born on May 4, 1933 in Green County, Tenn., to DW and Lucy Proffitt. He married Polly Sartain on August 13, 1952. He graduated from Southeastern Seminary in 1971 with a degree in Theology.
Frank served the following churches over a career of 53 years: Coffee Ridge Baptist; Flag Pond Baptist; Hampton First Baptist; Fordtown Baptist; First Baptist, Wilmington, Ill.; Fort Robinson Baptist; Director of Missions, Lawrence County, Tenn.; Director of Missions, Sevier County, Tenn.; First Baptist Erwin; First Baptist Greenville; Ninth Street Baptist; Clear Branch Baptist; Ritter Town Baptist; First Baptist Baileyton; and Oak Dale Baptist. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Visitation and funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. visitation; 12 noon funeral on Wednesday, July 4, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, Jonesborough, Tenn., with graveside services to follow at Fairview United Methodist. Dr. Mark Harrod, Dr. Charles Griffith and Rev. Ronnie Campbell will officiate the ceremonies. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gideons International at P.O. Box 3695, Johnson City, TN 37602. The family would like to thank Franklin Woods, Hospice Care and Sycamore Shoals staff for their efforts and care. Condolences may be sent to the Proffitt family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN, (423) 753-3821.