Mr. William Joseph France's Obituary
Mr. William Joe France, age 74, of Newport, passed away Wednesday morning, November 9, 2016 after a long fight with cancer at Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He retired as a plumber after more than fifty years as well as from Cocke County Vocational School where he taught his trade to others. Joe’s greatest joy was teaching and having the opportunity to touch the lives of the students. He loved to fish, be outdoors and spend time with his friends shooting the breeze on his porch.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harley and Sible Kilgore France.
Survivors include his wife of thirty years Frances “Jiggs” France of the home; sons Travis (Amy) France of Dandridge and Philip (Janna) Ramsey of Nashville and a daughter Kim Ramsey of Newport; grandchildren Dereck France of Knoxville, Zach France of Dandridge, Jake Ramsey and Julianna Ramsey both of Nashville; sister Linda (Darrell) Talley of Oak Ridge; several nieces and nephews.
Additional survivors include his countless students who were guided by Joe’s knowledge of plumbing. His wish was to encourage each student to always work hard and do their very best. One of his greatest loves was his students.
A private service will be held. The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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