Frank H Killgore (89) passed away at his home on June 14, 2021. Frank was a longtime resident of Oviedo. He and his wife, Betty, built their home here in July 1980. They lived in Longwood for 9 years before moving to Oviedo.
Frank came from a large family. He was born on July 24, 1931 to Velvie McDougle and Reuben Oliver Killgore in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He had three brothers, (Travis, Marion, Roy) and six sisters (Inez, Colleen, Mildred, Ruby, Della, Martha) and is survived by Della, Roy and Martha. Frank spent his early years working and helping support his family on their farm in Alabama. He enlisted in the Air Force at 17 years of age.
Frank had an honorable career in the Air Force, serving 22 years, and retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1970. He earned numerous commendations and decorations, including the Korean Service Medal, Outstanding NCO Award, Meritorious Service Award and Air Force Commendation Medal. At the time of his final promotion, Frank was one of the youngest Airmen to ever achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base (AFB), Okinawa, McDill AFB, Florida, Walker AFB, New Mexico, Loring AFB, Maine, Carswell AFB, Texas, Clinton - Sherman AFB, Oklahoma, McCoy AFB, Florida, and Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico. Frank was a certified Aircraft Mechanic and Crew Chief and loved working on the airplanes and later supervising their maintenance. Before retiring, his position was Maintenance Supervision NCOIC Job Control for the 72nd Field Maintenance Squadron at Ramey AFB.
Following retirement from the Air Force, Frank worked as the Fleet Superintendent for the City of Winter Park, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Sanford and then started Quality Care Lawn Maintenance.
Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and Betty were planning to celebrate 69 years of marriage this June 21st. He was a man of many names, including: “Daddy,” “Dad,” “Pa,” “Pop,” “Pamma,” “Papa,” “Grandpa,” and “GG-Pa.” His daughter, Yvonne, is married to Ron Fonnett and gave him 3 grandchildren: Ryan (Sara), Jeremy (Stacey) and Kelsey (Adam Clark). Ryan and Sara blessed him with 2 great grandchildren: RJ and Izzy. Tricia, his middle child, is married to Mike Teal and gave him 3 grandchildren: Kyle (Annette), Chad (Savannah) and Alex (Jay). Kyle and Annette blessed him with 2 great grandchildren: Jackson and James. His son, Frank Jr., is married to Lynn Best and they expanded the family by adding 6 grandchildren: Caitlin (Seth Carroll), Elena, David (Katie), Kristen (Austin), Faith and Buddy. David and Katie blessed him with 3 great grandchildren: Carter, Lillie, and Hudson and Kristen blessed him with two great grandchildren: Davis and Whitaker.
Frank cherished each and every member of his family. His favorite moments were spent with them, whether it be sitting at the kitchen table sharing stories, going on vacations together in the mountains of Georgia, fishing, gardening, cook-outs, churning ice cream, helping family move and/or remodeling their homes and celebrating special Holidays and events together, especially Christmas. His family was always a priority in his life.
Frank also enjoyed woodworking, researching genealogy, reading his Bible, doing community volunteer work, eating banana pudding and strumming on his guitar.
As much as Frank loved his family, his family loved him in return. “We will miss him every day. We are forever grateful to have had such an amazing man to guide us, protect us and be the patriarch of our family. We will do our best to carry on the honorable legacy of this good man.”
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