Franklin Jerome Christian, 78, Johnson City, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2011 in the James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was a native of Exeter, Virginia, and had resided in the Johnson City area since 1954. He was the son of the late Lloyd and Retha Cook Christian. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict where he served in the United States Air Force. He later attended East Tennessee State College. In the early 1960’s, he worked for the Boy Scouts of America as a district executive. He worked for many years in sales, and retired from Tri-Cities Communications, Inc.
Before his illness, he enjoyed a wide variety of interests. He was a member of the Johnson City Amateur Radio Association, the National Rifle Association, the Unaka Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the East Tennessee Antique Engine Association, Inc. He had a lifelong interest in flying, and enjoyed making short flights with his friends at the Johnson City Airport.
He was Communications Officer for the Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency for over 45 years, and was also a member of the West Carter County Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors.
He was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, William O. Eisenbarth.
Survivors include: his loving wife of fifty-one years, Jane Renfro Christian, of the home; three brothers, Harold and wife, Frances; Wayne and wife, Shirley; both of Corona, CA; William A. and wife, Frances, Kingsport; two sisters, Janet Eisenbarth, Simi Valley, CA; Carolyn and husband, Roy Burleson, Hemet, CA. Several nieces and nephews also survive, including a special nephew, Larry Renfro, who shared many of his interests.
A special thank you to the staff of the DaVita Dialysis Center of Johnson City, and the James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center for their excellent medical care.
The funeral service for Mr. Franklin Jerome Christian will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. James Lindsay will officiate. Special music will be provided by Seth O’Kegley and Mary Lindsay of Pinecrest Baptist Church, and Kristin (Grant) Harmon, Mr. Christian’s niece. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be: Phillip McLain, Sam McLain III, Larry Renfro, Scott Renfro, Richard Renfro, David Renfro, Kevin Harmon, and Wayne Hill.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Paul Renfro, Bob Grant, Tom Smith, Mike Bishop, Gary Street, S.M. Scalf, Merrill Moore, John Tuell, Geoff Hutchings, Elbert Christian, Jr., Jack Street, Bill Livesay, Jim Reed, Conley Jones, and Teddy Mains. The Boone Dam Post # 4933 and the Tennessee National Guard will accord military honors.
Minister, family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 10:15 AM Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Camp Bethel Ministries; P.O. Box 390 Wise, VA 24293; Pinecrest Baptist Church, 129 Old Lewis Road Johnson City, TN 37601
Memories and condolences may be sent to the Christian family via www.morrisbaker.com.
Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is serving the Christian family. (423) 282-1521
