NORWICH – Francis David Ring, 95, of Kodak, Tennessee, and formerly of Norwich, passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2013, at the home of his daughter.
Born July 6, 1917, the son of William and Ruby Ring, he lived his early years in the Preston area. In the 1950s he sold and repaired vehicles as owner of “Rings Used Car” in Kirk (near North Pharsalia). He also at the same time, worked for a period of 29 years as a first class Mechanic for N.Y.S. Electric & Gas. He also worked part time for Ken Guinn Contracting.
In 1969, most of the family moved to Palm Bay, Florida. There he worked until retirement for the City of Palm Bay, as a mechanic. He was honored by the City of Palm Bay in 1983 when they named a new street, “Ring Street” after him.
On Aug. 2, 1945, he married Catherine Kinney, his love of 66 years, who passed away June 22, 2011. Surviving Mr. Ring are sons Bill Ring of Knoxville, TN, Marty (Robyn) of Gatlinburg, TN, David Ring of Norwich, Merlyn (Jean) of AZ; daughters Catherine (Ken) Sias of Kodak, Laurie Sullivan of Kodak, Bobbie Ring of Sevierville, TN, Annie Bell of Sevierville, Kim Smith (Danny) of Sevierville, and Stepson John Cortright of Dallas, TX. Mr. Ring has 22 grandchildren, including Matthew Ring and Catherine Sherman of Norwich. Thirteen great grandchildren survive, including Collin Fern, Cierra, Caydence, Cash, and Carter Sherman of Norwich.
He was predeceased by a brother, Edgar, and two sons-in-law, George Sullivan and Daryl Bell.
A memorial service is being held Tuesday, Jan. 8 in Kodak.