Franklin C Bible

Franklin C. Bible, age 101 of Newport, (affectionately known as Papaw) entered the arms of Jesus on Tuesday Morning, April 2, 2024. He was born on January 17, 1923, in Cocke County on the family homestead. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart of 66 years, Esther Holt Bible; parents Lewis and Martha Bible; father and mother-in-law, Darius and Martha Lindsey Holt; brothers Shields Bible and Carroll Bible; and sister-in-law Juanita Bible. Survived by his loving, faithful, and caring children: daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Jack Presnell; son and daughter-in-law David and Dyann Bible; grandsons Todd Presnell and wife Stephanie, John David Bible, Chad Presnell and wife Faith, and Dana Bible; great-grandchildren William Presnell, Elise Presnell, Jackson Presnell, Bryson Presnell, Madylyn Bible, Colson Presnell and Matisse Bible; and many nieces and nephews. Growing up his time was spent milking cows, working the tobacco crop, raising hogs, and other farm duties. His early education began at the Bybee one room schoolhouse. He graduated in 1942 from Cocke County High School, married his sweetheart, Esther Holt Bible, on July 13, 1942, in Greenville, S.C. Esther and Frank ran Clay Creek Country store located on the family farm off Hwy 160, where they exhibited generosity in feeding families and paying their debts to make the community flourish. One of the favorite stories he shared was bartering eggs and/or groceries for chickens. There was a hole in the floor of the store where they housed chickens until he could sell them to Mr. Hawk. He also had his career with Parks-Belk where he remained until his retirement in 1982. He was active in the community, including serving as the first president and organizer of the Centerview Ruritan Club. Early morning 4:30 am fishing with his brother Carroll in Cherokee, N.C. was a favorite activity where they would catch many fish to enjoy family fish fries. As a young man he attended Clay Creek Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus into his heart. He was the superintendent of Bybee United Methodist Church for many years. After joining West End Baptist Church, he immediately became active in church work. He was always generous with love and affection, and he would sacrifice things he wanted for his family and friends. He has always been the calming voice for the family. He was a strong witness for the Lord in all his many kind words and deeds. He was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his extended family, and each one of them reciprocated that love. You could see much joy on his face any day spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite hobbies after retirement were golfing and fishing. The family extends its sincere gratitude to his physicians and the medical professionals at Smoky Mountain Home Health for their excellent care and the Bybee United Methodist Church for supplying Frank with meals during his final years. The family will receive friends at West End Baptist Church on Saturday, April 6, 12:00 to 2:00, with the service immediately following at 2:00 pm, with Brother Thomas E. Mooty officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Clay Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuenralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Franklin C Bible

January 17, 1923 - April 2, 2024