Newspaper Obituary
Francis Edmon Durrett born Feb 28, 1841, died Jan 25, 1917, age 75 years, 10 months and 27 days. Was married to Annie Elizabeth Ackerman Oct. 9, 1868. To the marriage there was born nine children as follows: Walter, Ernest, Bob, Annie, Francis, Elmer, Bert, Leslie and Jim.
His first wife died Sept 11, 1895, was married second to Mrs. Harriett Williams, March 4 1901. Mr. Durrett has been a member of the Christian church about forty years and a devoted member of the Masonic lodge about fifty years, his membership being held at the Mt. Pleasnat Blue Lodge No. 272. Also he was a confederate soldier, always true and faithful and until the end, he praised and fought for his country, the dear old South, he loved so well.
Mr. Durrett through his entense suffering possessed a smile and was always willing to cheer and comfort his children of their grief to part with him. He was always kind and willing to lend a helping hand to those sick or in distress; a kind and most devoted father, and we shall hold in memory many years to come his kindness and good deeds to all. His good free will and noble deeds made him a benedition to the community. It would be difficult to find a purer, truer heart than centered in him. In the homes of his children was such a great pleasure to him, for to do something for each one was his soul's delight and in the home of the youngest boy , Jim, he was stricken down, where the day star from on high shined into his heart and the Son of righteousness gave him ease and sweet rest, being cared for to the fullest extent by all his family and loved ones. He still prayed to live that he might do more and see his little grandchildren safe through life.
It is indeed hard to part with the ones that toiled through life for our sake, but we have an assurance dearer than all , his body is at rest and patiently waiting in the sweet beyond for us all to come.
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The precious , dear old father is surely there,
He sleeps with sweet rest, nor needs our care.
God helps our lonely hearts to trust him still
To humbly kiss the rod that works his will.
Some day these clouds shall drift the darkness flee,
the tender Shepherd's voice shall call for thee
And you will find the father that left your side
Sailing sweet with Christ beyond the even tide.
After songs and Masonic service his body was laid to rest in the Durrett burying ground near Cross Plains, Tenn.
A Friend
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Genealogist's Companion to Research in Sumner
County, Tennessee