Franklin Singleton McKinnon

Franklin Singleton McKinnon, lovingly known as Captain Frank of the Calypso, was born on November 10, 1954, in Hartsville, South Carolina, and went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2026, at his home in Chapin, South Carolina.

He was joyfully reunited with his parents, John L. McKinnon Jr. and Elizabeth Singleton McKinnon, and his brother, John “Jack” McKinnon.

Frank faced a brief illness with remarkable strength, determination, and courage, fighting hard until the very end.

A man of exceptional intelligence and curiosity, Frank was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Hartsville High School. He later earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina, where he was named to the President’s Honor Roll and proudly played the trumpet in the USC Marching Band.

Frank had a lifelong love of music and community. He was active in the Lexington Choir Society and sang with various church choirs over the years. He also loved dancing and was an enthusiastic member of the shagging community, often attending SOS events in North Myrtle Beach.

His greatest joy was found on the water. Frank was a devoted member of the Lake Murray Sailing Club, Lake Murray Power Squadron, and Lake Murray Yacht Racing Association. Most weekends, he could be found racing his beloved sailboat, Calypso, on Lake Murray. Frank often joked that if there were two sail boats on the lake, they were racing.

Frank loved building, fixing, and problem-solving. He had a gift for understanding how things worked and found true joy in bringing broken things back to life.

Deeply rooted in his faith, Frank lived his life guided by his love for the Lord. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he organized a small worship group that met every Sunday, often preparing breakfast for the group beforehand. This faithful community continued meeting every Sunday until the time of his passing, and plan to continue.

Frank spent many years as a Mechanical Engineer at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant, working in Plant Systems Engineering, where he primarily supported HVAC operations and maintenance. He later served in Procurement Engineering, providing parts specifications and purchasing support. Frank was well respected, well liked, and known for his dry wit and strong relationships with Operations and Maintenance teams. After retiring, Frank returned to V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant as a consulting engineer.

Frank is survived by his fiancé, Angela Bardin of Chapin, South Carolina, and her children and grandchildren: Martha Jill Christmus (Nathan) and Thomas Bardin; and grandchildren Anna, Kate, and Thomas. He will be missed by many dear friends and the children of family friends who affectionately called him “Grandpa Frank.”

A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date.