Ralph Nelson Lindsey

Ralph Nelson Lindsey, 88, of Townsend passed away on May 10, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Ralph and his twin brother, Roy William Lindsey were born at home in Sevier County. As a child, Ralph’s family moved to Townsend and he graduated from Townsend High School in 1951. He married his wife of 65 years, Ella Ruth, on November 22, 1956. His first occupation was a barber and he later served as Blount County Property Assessor for 20 years. He also served terms as Blount County Commissioner and on the Blount County School Board. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He sang in the Lindsey quartet with his brothers and sisters in earlier years. He is preceded in death by parents Ernest and Zula Lindsey and brothers Jimmy and Roy Lindsey, his twin. He is survived by wife Ruth Burns Lindsey, daughter Pam (Larry) Beeler, son Mike (Renaee) Lindsey (Teresa Benson Lindsey-deceased), and his sisters Juanita Saul and Ernestine (Cookie) Houser. Known only as Granddaddy to his 4 grandchildren, Brooke (Brian) Nix, Jason (Heather) Ledbetter, Adam (Crystal) Lindsey, Joseph (Bethany) Lindsey. His 8 great-grandchildren are Thorn Cooper and Chevy Ledbetter, Griffin and Rowan Nix, Michael and Tessa Lindsey, and Avery and Walter Lindsey. To those who casually knew him, Ralph could be reserved with a quick smile. But those who knew him well knew him to be a fun, sarcastic, and the life of the party if there was dancing. It wasn’t uncommon to see him leading the conga line at his grandchildren’s weddings. Later in life, his true joy could be seen as his face lite up when his great grandchildren entered the room. His humor and fun made him an honorary Granddaddy to many of his kid’s and grandkid’s friends. Family and friends will celebrate the life of Ralph Nelson Lindsey on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Smith Trinity Chapel in Maryville, TN. Receiving of friends from 5-7 PM with funeral to follow at 7:00 PM. The service will be officiated by his son-in-law, Larry Beeler and grandson-in-law Brian Nix. Family and friends will assemble for Burial at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Townsend Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph Nelson Lindsey please visit our Sympathy Store.