Franklin L. Stillwell

Franklin L. "Tony" Stillwell, 77, a life-long resident of Polk County, passed away, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at an Etowah healthcare facility. He was of Protestant faith. He was retired from Bowater Newsprint after 20 years of service. Tony was passionate about country music, especially the Grand Ole Opry. His favorite artists included Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner and George Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge L. Roy Stillwell and Ruth Harper Stillwell. He is survived by his three children, James Stillwell and wife Vivian of Lexington, KY, Joe "RJ" Stillwell of Nashville and Jeff Stillwell of New York City, NY; five grandchildren, Daniel Stillwell and wife Jessica, Rebekah Reynolds and husband, Chris, Katie Stillwell and partner Austin, Chloe Stillwell and Garrett Stillwell; great-grandchild, Charleigh Duval; brother John Stillwell and wife, Sharion of Benton. Several nieces and one nephew also survive. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in the Green Hill Cemetery with Dr. James Stillwell officiating. Daniel Stillwell, Garrett Stillwell, Austin Duval, Chris Reynolds, Naaman Stillwell and Albert Howard will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at Higgins Funeral Home in Benton, TN and proceed in processional to the cemetery for the graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the, Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37403 or St, Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Stillwell family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.