Frank DeWitt Cartwright

Frank DeWitt Cartwright, 88, of Bedford County, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on September 21, 2025, after an extended illness.

Mr. Cartwright was born August 15, 1937, to the late Allen Cartwright Jr. and Bess Williams Cartwright. He was a 1955 graduate of Community High School. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Frances Marie Moulder, beginning a remarkable 66-year marriage defined by faith, devotion, and partnership. Together they raised three children-Anthony Blake (Marlene) Cartwright, Frank Kimbro (Judi) Cartwright, and Kasey (Fayne) Cartwright Parsons-and found their greatest joy in their grandchildren, Dustin Blake "Bud" Cartwright, Jake Kimbro Cartwright, and Jacey Beth (Zachary) Cartwright Hoover. In addition to his biological grandchildren, he was blessed to have amazing bonus grandchildren - Holt (Sydney) Parsons, David (Olivia) Parsons, Justin (Ashley) Gordon, Jody Gordon and also great grandchildren - Easton Hoover, Everleigh Hoover, Aubrey Gordon, and Gunner Gordon.

DeWitt was the eldest of seven children. Siblings-Alton (Ruth) Cartwright, Barbara Jean Waterson, Faye Grohowski, Elaine (Donald) Milligan, Joe Ben Cartwright, and Grace Jones.

In his early life he worked at Pepsi Bottling Company and then transitioned into the concrete and block business, where he dedicated over 30 years. At the age of 50 he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and went into business for himself, opening Reliable Auto Electric. He ran Reliable with pride and commitment until his partial retirement, at which point he transitioned his business to Cartwright Farms, where he continued to work faithfully in his shop on his farm until his health no longer allowed. He also served as a Bedford County Commissioner from 1998-2002 and served on the Board of Trustees at the Bedford County Hospital from 1999-2004.

DeWitt was a man of simple pleasures and steadfast values, DeWitt enjoyed farming, fishing, gardening, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves. He was known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering devotion to his family. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of faith, family, honesty, and perseverance, leaving a legacy rooted in love and integrity.

DeWitt will be remembered for the life he built, the lessons he shared, and the unwavering love he gave. His story will live on in the lives he touched, and though he will miss him dearly, his presence will always be felt-in the hay fields, casting a line into the water, and sitting at the dinner table telling stories of old times.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Bud Cartwright officiating. Burial will follow at Crowell's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 2 p.m.

Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com