David Franklin Lemons, a proud WWII Army veteran, passed away on August 30, 2024 after a long full life.
He was born September 21, 1920, the son of Roy Franklin Lemons and Pauleene Jeter Lemons.
Frank lived through the Great Depression and worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CC Camp) in Tiptonville, starting in 1934, to build the park around Reelfoot Lake. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and spent the majority of WWII as a Staff Seargent in North Africa.
His life’s passion was raising cows and alfalfa hay on his farm. In addition, he worked for the City of Ripley and was tasked with re-constructing the city’s concrete sidewalks, which were in serious disrepair. He retired from the city at the age of 80 and was presented a “Key to the City” for his hard work and dedication. He continued to actively work on his farm until his mid 90’s.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Shirley Marbury Lemons. He is survived by sisters: Diane Seat (Andy), Gates TN, Shirley Wilkerson, Halls TN, and Wanda Barney, Boca Raton FL, a daughter, Marilyn Semones (Merel) Tucson AZ, a son David Lynn Lemons, Ripley TN and a daughter CeLina Craig Sumara (Ed) Wynnburg TN, grandchildren: Jeff Semones (Kim), NY NY, Jessica Lemons Chicago IL, Erica Lemons Chicago, IL, David Lemons, Chicago IL, Chris Lemons (Leighann) Halls TN, Nathan Colvin Ridgely TN, and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service honoring the life of David Franklin Lemons will be held at Garner Funeral Home on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Visitation will be 1 – 3 PM with the service at 3 PM.
