Ralph Edward Bean

Ralph E. Bean Jr., age 79, of Knoxville, went to be with his Lord, December 27, 2016 at UT Hospital with his three daughters by his side. Although he was born in Tennessee he was an avid Alabama football fan. He was a member of Son Light Baptist Church, a graduate of East High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from Knoxville Transit Authority with 30 years. After retiring he drove bus #36 for Rudder bus lines for 15 years for his good friend Stanley (Cuz) Rudder. He loved his children he transported at Rocky Hill Elementary and Bearden Middle Schools. He also enjoyed his meetings with the “Sun Shine Boys”. He was known as “the sweetheart” to his East High luncheon group. He had a great sense of humor and loved his 2 dogs, Sammie & Mikia more than anything. Preceded in death by father Ralph E. Bean Sr. and mother Hazel Bean. Survived by wife Linda. Children: Tracy Bean Mantooth, Lorie Bean Prater and April Bean. Grandchildren: Chris (Alex) Prater, Logan Prater and Brody Bean. Sister, Dorothy Knott and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kenneth Bielak and staff at UT Family Physicians for their tender loving care they provided for our dad. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier) for graveside service 9:30 am Thursday, January 5, 2017. Military Honors will be provided by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends 12-2 pm Friday, December 30, 2016 at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City. Send online condolences at www.mynattfh.com