Franklin Douglas High, Sr.

Franklin Douglas High – known to many as Frank, Doug, or Fats, but best loved as Daddy and Papaw – passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 82.

He was born on May 25, 1943, in Fayette County, Tennessee, to Jack and Eva High. Papaw was a man full of stories, warmth, and deep love for his family. If you sat down with him for even a few minutes, you’d likely walk away with a story that made you laugh, think, or both.

He had a lifelong love of music – especially bluegrass – and never missed an episode of The Bashful Bob Show. In fact, he often knew more about the artists than the host himself. He was also an animal lover through and through, with a love especially for horses. He rode annually in the Field Trials and spent his younger years planning trail rides and enjoying life outdoors.

He once stepped into the spotlight of Memphis wrestling alongside his brother, performing as the tag team “Ricky and Rocky Montez”. It was just one chapter in a long book of adventures that included decades of driving a big truck across the country and collecting unforgettable stories – from “fighting Elvis in front of the Yoyo” to growing up on the farm with his family.

More than anything, Papaw loved his people. He never let a day go by without checking in on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cared about every birthday, milestone, and somehow made us all feel like his favorite. He was deeply adored, respected, and beloved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Eva High; his brother, Maurie High; his sisters, Jeanette and Dutchie; his wife of 28 years, Betty Jo High; and his special friend, Ida McEwen.

He is survived by his children, Betty High, Bubba High and Mary (Harvey) Davis; his grandchildren, Casey (Fish) Tutor, Caleb Fish, Kelsey Fish, Dylan High, Amanda Emery and Ryan Emery; and his great-grandchildren, Lillian Tutor, Aibree Fish, and Daxton Turner.

Papaw was the kind of man who made you feel incredibly loved. His stories, his music, and his steady love leaving a legacy that will echo around our tables and our hearts for years to come.

A visitation for Mr. High will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville. Funeral Services will be at 2 P.M. Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Bro. Carl Doyle officiating.

The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Jude Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.