Frank Lavet Alverson Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Frank L. Alverson, Jr., age 83, a proud veteran of the US Army, passed away peacefully with his family beside him September 9, 2025 in his residence in Jacksonville, Florida. He battled with Alzheimer’s for over 15 years and he is now with his Lord and Savior in heaven. The son of the late Frank L. Alverson, Sr, and Rebecca (Alverson) Moore, he was born October 17, 1941 in Fairfield, Alabama. Frank’s widowed mother, remarried when Frank was 7 to Colonel George H. Moore. Frank became an Army brat and attended multiple schools in Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and Hawaii. He graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1959, and then North Georgia College in 1963, where he received his Commission in the US Army. He valued this service highly, and as part of this service, he valiantly fought in Vietnam for two tours. Frank was a helicopter pilot and attained the level of Master Aviator. In 1965, Frank was shot down and almost perished. Upon recovery Frank became an instructor pilot, and was selected to attend the Cobra Attack Helicopter Training School. He directed the initial deployments of Cobras into Vietnam for the 1st Cavalry in 1968, and qualified the Cobra pilots. In 1970 he and his wife Mary were married in Basel, Switzerland. Their son Frank III (Tre') was born in Frankfurt, Germany and daughter, Robin was born in Ft Rucker, AL 5 years later.

Among his medals, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, Army Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Service Medal w/ Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars, Air Medal w/ V Device (Numeral 24), Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He also graduated from the Command and General Staff College in 1977. During active duty he was stationed at Homestead AFB, FL, Ft. Bliss, TX, Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Rucker, AL, Giessen, Buedingen, and Ramstein AFB, West Germany, and Nellis AFB, NV, where he retired in 1985 having served 22 years. In every location, he loved working with the youth as a coach and mentor from T-ball to bowling to golf. He was always aspiring to help youngsters improve. While living in Las Vegas, Frank was very active in the Boy Scouts. Frank had attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth, and he became quite involved in the Boulder Dam Area Council Boy Scout organization. He led his son, Tre', to also earn the rank of Eagle Scout in 1986.

In 1988 he moved to Palm Bay, Florida, which led to his coaching career in bowling and softball. Frank started the bowling program at the Brevard Community College and was the Bowling Professor for many years. In addition, he was active in the Special Olympics program. He also coached his daughter’s softball team and inspired many young athletes over the years. At the same time, he became very productive in local Veterans’ organizations such as the Disabled American Vets, Brevard Veterans Council, Vietnam Veterans of Brevard, and 1st Cavalry Association.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Mary (Clarke) of 55 years; and his children, Tre' (Leigh), and Robin, (Derek). He will be forever cherished and remembered by his four grandchildren: Carson, Kayla, Megan and Gage, his three brothers, Jody, Doug (Dorothy) and Don (Michele) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His loved ones will remember his brilliant smile, his fabulous stories, contagious laugh and his thick white hair.

A visitation for Frank will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 17, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A committal service will occur Friday, October 17, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.