February 3, 1946 - August 20, 2004
Franklin V. Smith, 58, a retired corporate pilot, died Friday, Aug. 20, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Joy M. Smith. . Memorial contributions may be made to Florida Baptist Childrens Home, 8415 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee, FL 32317. A native of Rochester, N.Y., he moved to Tallahassee from Beaufort, N.C., in 1984. He was an Army flight instructor during the Vietnam War and also taught aviation at Emory-Riddle School of Aeronautics. He was a member and past president of the Experimental Aircraft Association and volunteered his time and talents for many causes. He was a devoted Christian and a member of Northwoods Baptist Church. He died suddenly while volunteering at the American Red Cross Center. Other survivors include a son, Corey Edward Smith of Carrolton, Ga.; two daughters, Darlene Brisson of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Luanna Lacey of Daytona Beach Shores; a stepdaughter, Katherine Herbert of Tallahassee; a brother, Jack Smith of Wildwood; a sister, Luanna Wolff of Crawfordville; and five grandchildren.
Frank got his start in aviation in the US Army training instrument pilots in a simulator before he ever flew a real plane. In 1968 while still in the Army, Frank received his private pilot's license. It didn't take long before he had his commercial, CFI, CFII and multi-engine rating. After being an instructor for many years, Frank began flying air freight. He then became a corporate pilot, flying mostly King-Air 200's. He amassed over 5,000 hours.
One of Frank's scariest experiences was flying with a student in a Cessna 150 when their windshield darkend up with what turned out to be small twin engine on a collision course with them. They managed to fly by each other without trading paint, but it was too close for comfort.
Frank lost his medical to a heart attack several years ago. He joined EAA445 in 1990 and has served as treasurer three times, fly-in chairman twice, and President once.
Letters about Frank from other Aviators
The following letters were put together in a book which was given to Frank's wife Joy.
We regulars at the EAA meetings knew the routine. We’d go around the room and introduce ourselves and when we got to Frank, we’d hear the bio: former corporate pilot, former flight instructor, over 5,000 hours (mostly in King Airs), commercial, CFII, MEII, and, oh, by the way, “I’m your treasurer”. Then would come the kicker, the words that all pilots dread to hear, “but I lost my medical about 15 years ago and can’t fly anymore.” And, with that, I always felt that a sense of shared sadness descended on the room. But, being Frank, he would always end on a note of optimism and a smile, “I’m hoping that with Sport Pilot I can get flying again”.
Frank loved aviation and loved the EAA because it kept him involved in one of his life’s passions. His contributions to our Chapter over his 14 years as a member were many, including three terms as Treasurer, chairman of the fly-in committee, and a term as President in 2003. As President, Frank set a new direction for the Chapter, more than doubling our membership in one year and bringing in many new faces and new ideas. Those contributions endure, and we’re a better organization because of him.
Frank was always friendly and always willing to help. He spent his last hours volunteering for the Red Cross in the Hurricane Charlie relief effort. Ironically, while he was helping those touched by tragedy, tragedy struck him, and the heart that had given so much could give no more.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Frank’s wife Joy and his family. The world has lost a kind and gentle man, and we have lost one of our own. But I think that we can rest assured that, at last, Frank is flying again.
-Ed Copes
I am
very sad over the loss of such a great man as Frank. When Frank was chapter
president, he went out of his way to make me feel like
one of the "guys"
even with me not being a licensed pilot. I remember calling Frank the day the
Sportpilot rule was published and us talking about the medical part of the rule
and what all it meant to him. He loved flying so much. I do know that Frank was
a born-again Christian and I know where he is
now. He's flying all over
heaven as we speak. With or without an airplane, I don't know and really don't
care. All I know is that he's
finally flying.
My condolenses to his
family and the chapter. Not only did you loose a Treasurer but a great man
and enthusiastic aviator.
-Steve
Carroll
It touched me deeply and brought a lump to my throat last Sunday when I saw that you had dressed Frank in his B17 jacket. It was so appropriate because he was so proud and delighted after his flight in the B17 last Fall. He took a great interest in the WWII experience, and since I am of that generation, we always discussed some of the details of the aircraft I had flown.
He was a kindly man, who always had a pleasant word for those around him. The last time I saw him, it was after meeting at the old terminal, I had left the building and walked to my car, he walked some distance out of his way to ask me how my school program was progressing. and I thought to myself as I drove home about what a friendly gesture this was on his part. It gave me a very warm feeling.
And I thought too, when I read of his final day doing volunteer work, how appropriate and typical of Frank to be helping others less fortunate than himself.
We will all miss him very very much.
-Tom Baldwin
Frank Smith-- a jokester but often serious; a low-key salesman but a super salesman non the less; a family man but with time for others: generous but with the ability to say no; a man with a bad heart but a man with a very big one; A Christian in faith and in his acts. And he always had a twinkle in his eyes. Gone but not forgotten.
-J David Williams
From the first time I met Frank I knew we were going to be friends. Frank Liked people it didn't make any difference who you were, if you had money or not. he was always happy even when he worried, it was for some one else. We spent a lot of time together, but I wanted to spend more time with him but he was busy in his life as I was.He was a family man he loved his family and talked about them as often as you would let him, He always called me brother and I felt that way. He was missed when he didn't show up for one of our meetings, some one always said where is Frank? I joined the local chapter the same time I met him and he was voted in to be our president. I saw the chapter grow from just a hand full to the number we have now. I can say that is was because of Frank and his gentle spirit. Frank could alway be counted on his word was his bond.He will be missed, but he will live in my mind and heart tell I see him again.
-David Lecornu
I only knew Frank through EAA, but no one in Chapter 445 had
a
quicker smile or more infectious laugh he shared with everyone who had
a
love of aviation.God will continue to use him in his airlines!
-Gar Braun
All
of us at Flightline wish to express our deepest sympathy to you. We enjoyed working with Frank on the
many projects he devoted his time to at the airport. His enthusiasm for the Experimental
Aircraft Association Chapter 445 and his love of aviation helped to make the airport a more
enjoyable place for both pilots and aviation enthusiasts. His true sense of caring was displayed
during the static display of the EAA’s B-17 Aircraft,
an event that he helped to organize. Frank
went out of his way to make sure all the veterans of WWII and their family
members who had a special connection to the aircraft were given the opportunity,
in spite of bad weather, to spend time at the aircraft and relive their memories
of times past.
We will all miss Frank’s friendship
and warmth.
With sincere
condolences,
Although I moved from Tallahassee over three years ago, I still remember Frank fondly, especially some chats we had at the RV dealer where he worked some years back. He was a fine man, and aviator, who will be missed.
- Barry Sherrill (Cary, NC )
Frank was a good friend . I love to here him tell about his flying adventgers and some of his close calls he had when flying in the mountians. I can remenber one time when he wan"t me to take him flying and we took off in a 172 just flying over the city. I learn a lot from him in that short time we were flying. There were some thing that he said and showed me about flying that will all ways stick with me. I will miss him a lot, he was a smart man.
- Gene Gaskins (Tallahassee, FL
I knew Frank Smith going back to when I joined EAA Chapter 445 back in 1992. When I was the video tape librarian Frank was my best customer. I'll bet he had seen most of the tapes in our collection. He loved flying and it showed! His enthusiasm for flying carried over into his dedication to the Chapter, as shown by his service in so many different capacities. But more than that, his pleasant nature, calm demeanor, and leadership added so much to all of the Chapter meetings. We will all miss him.
