Mr. Francis "Fran" Alwyn Thrift

Francis Alwyn “Fran” Thrift, resident of the Gallaway Community, retired vending machine mechanic, United States Veteran and husband of the late Diane Bopp Shea departed this life Monday afternoon, August 26, 2013 at his residence. He was 70 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance with Military Recognition for Mr. Thrift were conducted at 2:30 P.M. Friday, August 30th at the Graveside with Rev. Kent Bailey of Somerville officiating. Masonic Rites were provided by the Arlington Masonic Lodge #641, where Mr. Thrift was a member. Interment followed in the Burrow Cemetery in the Gallaway Community. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center — West Chapel at Oakland.

Mr. Thrift was born May 3, 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Thrift and Helen Bull Thrift. He received his education in the Maryland Public School System and was a United States Naval Veteran, serving on the aircraft carrier, “Enterprise” during the Vietnam Period. He was married February 17, 1984 to Diane Bopp Shea, who preceded him in death December 7, 2001.

Mr. Thrift was a Christian and had been a resident of Fayette County for 28 years and was employed by the Aramark Company in Memphis as a vending machine mechanic for a number of years before his retirement. He was a patriotic person who enjoyed sports and favorite television programs during his illness.

Mr. Thrift is survived by his daughter, Lorretta Thrift of Maryland; two sons, John Thrift of Maryland, Brian Thrift of Maryland; two stepdaughters, Lisa Miller of Maryland, Shawn McKnight of Oakland; his stepson, James Shea of Maryland; his brother, Thomas Arthur Thrift of Gallaway; his brother-in-law, Michael "Mike" Miller of Gallaway; thirteen grandchildren, Aidan Thrift, Brianne Thrift, Kylie Thrift, Justin Thrift, Stanley Diamond, Paige Diamond, Casey Diamond, Emily Sponaugle, James W. Shea IV, Michael J. Miller, Kristen E. Miller, Amber N. McKnight, Christopher T. McKnight; and his great grandson, James W. Shea V.

Casketbearers were family members and friends and the family requests that memorials be directed to the Arlington Masonic Lodge #641, 12044 Forrest Street, Arlington, TN 38002 or to the Burrow Cemetery Association, c/o Penney Jones, 1800 Burrow Cemetery Drive, Arlington, TN 38002.