Franklin Delano Dossett, age 93, of LaFollette

Franklin Delano Dossett, age 93, of LaFollette passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. He was born December 20, 1931. Husband of Betty Sue Bellah Dossett. Father of three. Beloved “Daddy,” “Uncle Frank,” and “Pappy” to a family who idolized him. Born in Jacksboro at the height of the Depression and raised in a proud family of 16 siblings, Frank followed his brothers into military service before completing degrees at East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee. He returned to Campbell County to practice law and married Betty Sue Bellah, with whom he made a life for 65 years. Frank’s career and interests ranged from law and agriculture to guns and music. He represented the LaFollette Medical Center for many years, and at various points served the City of LaFollette as an attorney and judge. The legal profession kept his mind active, but in his heart, he was a farmer, and he enjoyed tending to two farms on Towe String Road and “up the valley” on Greene Lane. When he wasn’t herding cattle or mowing hay, he was probably haggling over a gun or looking for a deal at an auction or flea market. He and Betty were gracious hosts, and he was happiest when he had a full house of friends and family at Thanksgiving and Christmas or annual summer pig roasts. Later in life, he took special pride in organizing and hosting weekly jam sessions at Lakeview Inn in Caryville, where he loved to sing old hymns with guests that often-included Bluegrass and Gospel stars. Preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 65 years; son Franklin (“Bo”) Dossett, Jr.; parents Thomas David and Minnie Allen Dossett; brothers Burgin, Henderson, Huston R. (“Pete”), Jeff, Otto, Walter, Bill; Sisters: Addie Dodd, Anna Davis, Eleanor Northcutt, Hattie Mills, Mary Lee Williams, Nannie Greene, Retha Allen, Victoria Lane; nephew Stephen (“Chebbie”).

Survived by daughter Sharon Brown of Madisonville; son and daughter-in-law David and Lori Dossett of LaFollette; TN; grandchildren Ashley, Bo, Bryce, Crystal, Dakota, John, Thomas, and 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Richard Bellah of Knoxville, TN; special nieces and nephew Jill Collier and Patsy Hensley, Holly Hensley, and Wesley Hensley.

Frank’s family is grateful to Shirley Brooks, Charlene Campbell, Anna Ellison, Ann Garner, Kim Robbins, and Cindy Ward, who helped make his final months comfortable, Dr. Aleoma Oculam and Dr. John Acker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Mount Zion Methodist Church P. O. Box 197 Jacksboro, TN 37757.

Family will receive friends from 1-2:45 PM Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Mount Zion Methodist Church, Masonic Service beginning at 2:45 by Jacksboro Masonic Lodge #322 F.&AM. Funeral services beginning at 3 PM, Rev. Billy Smith officiating. Interment to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery with Military Honors by Honor Guard of Campbell County.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online to the family of Franklin Delano Dossett at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com