2021
Ben
2018
Ben Osburn
October 28, 2021 — November 28, 2018
BEN D. OSBURN, JR.
FRANKLIN - Ben D. Osburn, Jr., age 91, passed on to heaven on November 28, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Arizona (Zonie) Osburn. Survived by his children Faye (David) Johnson, Bruce (Angie) Osburn, Libby (Chris) Long, Susan (Keith) Feinstein, Ken (Melissa) Osburn. Grandchildren Eric (Emily) Johnson, Christi (Bobby) Johnson, Ryan (Amanda) Osburn, Austin Long, Bob Long, Emeline Osburn and Anna Osburn. Great-grandchildren Laura Mae Kendall, Tripp Johnson, Reagan Osburn and Hunter Johnson.
Ben's character was forged in America's Great Depression. Being the oldest of five children, he began work at age 10 scrubbing dishes in a neighborhood bakery. He also delivered newspapers during the early Nashville mornings. He met many unique Nashvillians along his route. He never made much money, but he gave it all to provide for his family.
In-between numerous jobs, Ben found time for baseball and football at Howard High School on 2nd Avenue. His dedication to helping others continued throughout his high school career. As a result, he was elected to be senior class vice president. The hopes and dreams created during his senior year were soon to change as American was involved in its second world war.
Ben heard Uncle Sam's calling to defend his country against a great enemy. He would soon adorn the eagle and anchor insignia of the United States Navy only two days after graduating from Howard. The Navy offered magnificent ships, vast oceans, and the chance to fight for his country. He longed for the shores of Europe, but Navy noticed a unique skill in Ben that most sailors did not have; he could type. That skill took him to the coast of California where he was stationed during his naval career.
Once the war was over he returned to Nashville and found work as a retail sale associate with Keith Simmons; the largest hardware wholesaler in the southeast. The work ethic he developed as a young boy created an entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit drove him to found Allied Bearings & Supply when he was 30. The banker that issued Ben the loan to start his business summed it up well, "You're young and never owned a business, but you sure know a lot about bearings". The industrial supply company flourished under his leadership. The success of the business outgrew three locations on 8th Avenue. Allied Bearing and Supply is still a very well recognized company in Middle TN. Ben left a lasting impression on each and every customer that he met. Customers still ask about him today. His oldest son and grandson continue his legacy at Allied Bearings and Supply.
The success of Allied allowed Ben to give back to the community in numerous ways. He was a founding member of the Brentwood Civitan Club that coordinated baseball activities in Williamson County. The baseball fields behind Lipscomb Elementary were constructed under his supervision. Many of the young players were outfitted from Ben's sporting goods store nestled at the corner of Church Street and Wilson Pike.
While Ben and his family were attending Brookhaven Presbyterian Church in the 60's and 70's, he was an active Deacon and Youth Director. He was diligent in contributing to numerous nonprofit charities and helping those less fortunate. Ben spent many exciting years traveling the southeast making new friends in the racing circuit with dragsters and round track cars that he owned and sponsored.
After retiring from the hustle and bustle of prior commitments, Ben and Zonie developed a love for flower gardening. Those who visited their piece of heaven knew he could plant a rock and grow an award winning blue ribbon flower. His love for nature extended to any creature, great or small, and therefore wild life was abundant on his property. A few visitors included families of deer and 60+ wild turkeys. The Osburn home place was never without multiple pets including Lewis, a pet rooster.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the professional and caring staff and residents at Morning Pointe of Brentwood and Guardian Hospice.
Honorary Pallbearers are Tillman Britt, Mike Ellsworth, Marcus Harper, James Harris, John Rippey, Charles Thornton, Todd Winningham and Tom Wilson, Sr. Grandchildren and family friends will act as Pallbearers. Visitations with the Osburn Family will be on Friday, Nov. 30th at 4-8:00pm. Visitation Saturday, Dec. 1st at 10:00am with Service to follow at 11:00am at Williamson Memorial Gardens, 3009 Columbia Hwy., Franklin, TN 37064. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to "Friends of Williamson County Animal Center", P.O. Box 396, Franklin, TN 37065 (contact @ friendsofwcac.com)
615-790-5590.
FRANKLIN - Ben D. Osburn, Jr., age 91, passed on to heaven on November 28, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Arizona (Zonie) Osburn. Survived by his children Faye (David) Johnson, Bruce (Angie) Osburn, Libby (Chris) Long, Susan (Keith) Feinstein, Ken (Melissa) Osburn. Grandchildren Eric (Emily) Johnson, Christi (Bobby) Johnson, Ryan (Amanda) Osburn, Austin Long, Bob Long, Emeline Osburn and Anna Osburn. Great-grandchildren Laura Mae Kendall, Tripp Johnson, Reagan Osburn and Hunter Johnson.
Ben's character was forged in America's Great Depression. Being the oldest of five children, he began work at age 10 scrubbing dishes in a neighborhood bakery. He also delivered newspapers during the early Nashville mornings. He met many unique Nashvillians along his route. He never made much money, but he gave it all to provide for his family.
In-between numerous jobs, Ben found time for baseball and football at Howard High School on 2nd Avenue. His dedication to helping others continued throughout his high school career. As a result, he was elected to be senior class vice president. The hopes and dreams created during his senior year were soon to change as American was involved in its second world war.
Ben heard Uncle Sam's calling to defend his country against a great enemy. He would soon adorn the eagle and anchor insignia of the United States Navy only two days after graduating from Howard. The Navy offered magnificent ships, vast oceans, and the chance to fight for his country. He longed for the shores of Europe, but Navy noticed a unique skill in Ben that most sailors did not have; he could type. That skill took him to the coast of California where he was stationed during his naval career.
Once the war was over he returned to Nashville and found work as a retail sale associate with Keith Simmons; the largest hardware wholesaler in the southeast. The work ethic he developed as a young boy created an entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit drove him to found Allied Bearings & Supply when he was 30. The banker that issued Ben the loan to start his business summed it up well, "You're young and never owned a business, but you sure know a lot about bearings". The industrial supply company flourished under his leadership. The success of the business outgrew three locations on 8th Avenue. Allied Bearing and Supply is still a very well recognized company in Middle TN. Ben left a lasting impression on each and every customer that he met. Customers still ask about him today. His oldest son and grandson continue his legacy at Allied Bearings and Supply.
The success of Allied allowed Ben to give back to the community in numerous ways. He was a founding member of the Brentwood Civitan Club that coordinated baseball activities in Williamson County. The baseball fields behind Lipscomb Elementary were constructed under his supervision. Many of the young players were outfitted from Ben's sporting goods store nestled at the corner of Church Street and Wilson Pike.
While Ben and his family were attending Brookhaven Presbyterian Church in the 60's and 70's, he was an active Deacon and Youth Director. He was diligent in contributing to numerous nonprofit charities and helping those less fortunate. Ben spent many exciting years traveling the southeast making new friends in the racing circuit with dragsters and round track cars that he owned and sponsored.
After retiring from the hustle and bustle of prior commitments, Ben and Zonie developed a love for flower gardening. Those who visited their piece of heaven knew he could plant a rock and grow an award winning blue ribbon flower. His love for nature extended to any creature, great or small, and therefore wild life was abundant on his property. A few visitors included families of deer and 60+ wild turkeys. The Osburn home place was never without multiple pets including Lewis, a pet rooster.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the professional and caring staff and residents at Morning Pointe of Brentwood and Guardian Hospice.
Honorary Pallbearers are Tillman Britt, Mike Ellsworth, Marcus Harper, James Harris, John Rippey, Charles Thornton, Todd Winningham and Tom Wilson, Sr. Grandchildren and family friends will act as Pallbearers. Visitations with the Osburn Family will be on Friday, Nov. 30th at 4-8:00pm. Visitation Saturday, Dec. 1st at 10:00am with Service to follow at 11:00am at Williamson Memorial Gardens, 3009 Columbia Hwy., Franklin, TN 37064. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to "Friends of Williamson County Animal Center", P.O. Box 396, Franklin, TN 37065 (contact @ friendsofwcac.com)
615-790-5590.
Visitation Details
Friday, November 30th, 2018 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home
Service Information
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 11:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home
Interment Details
Williamson Memorial Gardens
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