Memorial trees planted for:

Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr.

Benjamin Milton Frizzell Jr., 89, of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, entrepreneur, and avid golfer, Ben lived a life guided by faith, integrity, and generosity. Born on October 14, 1935, in Abingdon, Virginia, Ben soon after moved to Bristol, Tennessee, where he spent most of his life. He was raised on the Blue Ridge Golf Course, which his father built, and there developed a lifelong love for the game of golf. Ben graduated from Tennessee High School in 1953. He graduated from Duke University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, where he also played on the golf team. From a young age, Ben was fascinated by communications and became a ham radio operator, known by his call sign W4VTY. As a member of Air Force ROTC in college, he went on to serve proudly as a Captain in the United States Air Force, specializing in communications. While stationed in Japan, he competed on the Air Force golf team, played in the Japan Open, and set two course records. After returning to Bristol following his service in the Air Force, Ben married Patsy in 1963. They shared 56 loving years of marriage until her passing in 2019.In 1983, Ben accepted Christ, a turning point that shaped the rest of his life and work. His faith guided him in business and in service to others. He was active in the ministry at Highlands Juvenile Detention Center and was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church. He served as a trustee at King University, was a key member of the TENNEVA Tip Club since 1965, and was an active member of the Lions Club since the early 70’s. He also started the Frizzell Foundation, which generously supports many organizations and causes. Ben’s entrepreneurial spirit was remarkable. What began in 1960 with Frizzell Construction Company grew into several successful businesses that remain strong today. Starting with just one employee, he expanded to employ more than 1,000, always striving to lead with integrity, faith, and genuine care for the people who worked alongside him. Beyond work and service, golf remained a constant passion throughout his life. He won numerous tournaments in his younger years and even played a full 18 holes just one month before his passing while on a family vacation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Milton and Patty Sumner Frizzell and his sister, Patty Frizzell Brooks. Ben is survived by his son, Benjamin (Charity) M. Frizzell III of Sevierville, TN, and his daughter, Joy (Steve) Frizzell Gross Mullins of Bristol, TN. He especially cherished his nine grandchildren: Aaron (Masha) Frizzell of Chattanooga, TN; Hannah (Quintin) Braxton of Chattanooga, TN; Rebekah (Seth) Marshall of Pigeon Forge, TN; Abby (Spencer) Heller of Fort Wayne, IN; Caleb (Dekodha) Gross of Elizabethton, TN; Sari Frizzell of Fort Collins, CO; Amy (Jack) Vandewinckel of Nashville, TN; Oliver Frizzell of Sevierville, TN; and Henry Frizzell of Sevierville, TN. He had three great-grandchildren—Karter Braxton, Sabine Marshall, and Eleanor Heller—with another expected soon. Ben is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Johnson of East Lansing, MI. Lastly, he is survived by his long-term employees, who were like family to him: Sheila Vencill (since 2000), Sherie Horton (since 1980), and Doug Cooper (since 1969). A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church (701 Florida Ave, Bristol, TN). Burial will immediately follow at Glenwood Cemetery (839 Bluff City Hwy, Bristol, TN).  Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at King University in the Board Room and Mezzanine inside the Student Center (4916 Hart Blvd, Bristol, TN) beginning  at 12 pm  immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Host Lions Club (P.O. Box 666, Bristol, VA 24203), which is dedicated to serving the community and supporting those in need. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Frizzell family.

October 14, 1935 - September 2, 2025

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14 Trees have been planted in memory of Benjamin Frizzell, Jr..

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

September 22, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Anonymous

September 12, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Truly sorry for your loss-We will be thinking of you and your family.Peter and Misty

Top Dining Inc

September 11, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Top Dining Inc. Plant a tree

We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

Billie Nichols, Doug & Kathy Briggs

September 11, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Billie Nichols, Doug & Kathy Briggs. Plant a tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Justin & Jessica Horton

September 11, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Justin & Jessica Horton. Plant a tree

In loving memory of a great leader and mentor. You were deeply respected and admired. Your guidance over the years will forever be appreciated.

Ray McDowell

September 11, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Ray McDowell. Plant a tree

Sent with deepest sympathies,Ray McDowell and family

Anonymous

September 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Anonymous

September 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Frank and Sabrina Whitt

September 08, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Frank and Sabrina Whitt. Plant a tree

Such a good and brilliant man, he will be missed by myself and many more that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tony and Judy Bowman

September 06, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Benjamin Milton Frizzell, Jr. has been arranged by Tony and Judy Bowman. Plant a tree

Thank you Ben for being much more than a boss, Thank you for being a great friend

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