Ellis Arnett Townsend, Jr.

Ellis Arnett Townsend, Jr, age 92, of Franklin, TN, went home to be with the Lord on August 24, 2026 while family was by his side. He was born December, 30, 1933 in Burlison, Tennessee. Ellis graduated from Brighton High School & completed his education in business. After a few years of farming, he began a banking career by helping establish The Peoples Bank in Arlington & Lakeland, Tennessee. He was bank president for 35 years.

Ellis served in the Arlington United Methodist Church as deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher, & treasurer. He is currently a member at Franklin First United Methodist Church. His hobbies & interests were family, softball pitching until age 45, landscaping, fishing & boating.

Ellis is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Janice Owen Townsend; his three daughters Cynthia Townsend, Carol (Martin McCool), & Christi (Tim Davidson); grandchildren Megan Whittier, Chelsea Harbaugh, Cailyn Davidson, Madeline Foster, Parker Davidson, & Natalie Davidson, plus eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father & mother, Ellis Arnett Townsend, Sr & Mary Baskin Townsend, his brothers Virgil, Richard, & Marshall, sisters Louise, Robbie, & Sybil.

A private family memorial will be held at Franklin First United Methodist Memorial Garden, Franklin, TN on Sunday, August 30, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to GraceWorks Ministries, Inc. in Franklin, TN or The Gideons International.