Bob Townsend

Robert Norman “Bob” Townsend, Sr. of Franklin, TN passed away on January 29, 2024 at the age of 90. He was born on March 14, 1933 to Walter Edwin and Bertha Elizabeth “Billie” [Sherman] Townsend. He was an Elder and founding member of Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church. 

Bob grew up in Detroit and St. Johns, Michigan. He served in the Army during the Korean War. While on leave in Florida, he met Betty while they were the tag-alongs for a couple on a blind date. The other couple didn’t last, but Bob and Betty celebrated their 70th anniversary on August 16, 2023. Bob graduated from Georgia State College in 1962 with a BS in Chemistry. He was a long-time active member of the Lions Club and other civic organizations. He loved to tinker with mechanical and electronic devices including cars, ham radios, cameras, computers, robots, and drones. For many years, he was a single engine airplane pilot with a license for aerobatics. One year he flew the family to see Betty’s parents in rural Georgia. Bob and Betty owned and operated Nu-Tree Health Food Shop in Franklin from 1984-2000. He retired from his chemistry career from Superior Essex in Franklin in 2003. After retirement, Bob was active with the church, learned to prepare taxes and then worked for several different tax firms, and was active with AARP, the Martin Center, and the Senior Citizens Enrichment Center. Bob was a loving husband and father as well as a genuinely kind person. His quiet humor and friendly spirit will be missed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard Walter “Dick” and Edwin Elwood “Butch” and his sister Donna Jean Uyttenhove. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70+ years, Betty Anne [Horne] Townsend; sister-in-law, Jo-Allene (Joan) Horne; his sons Robert Norman “Bob” (Cherry) Townsend, Jr. and Walter Allen (Jeanette) Townsend; grandson Jeremy Howard (Linda) Townsend; two great-granddaughters Claire Isabelle and Sophie Grace; 3 step-grandchildren; and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church in Bob’s memory. His ashes will be interred at a later date at Cedar Creek Baptist Church cemetery near Finleyson, GA.