Frank Woodrow Pannell

Frank was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, on August 18, 1937, to Clyde and Louise Pannell. After graduating high school in 1955, he went on to attend Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He then moved to Florida and was hired as a Mathematician with RCA at Patrick Air Force Base, where he met fellow mathematician, and his future wife, Dee Dee. He spent his entire career working in Aerospace until he retired at the age of 67.

Frank was a true sports fan his whole life. In high school, he played baseball and football, and was even scouted by Kentucky for college, though he chose not to pursue it as his true loves were the New York Yankees and Tennessee Volunteers. While working at RCA, he joined the bowling team. He became an avid bowler and also joined a local team, that took him, and his family, all over Florida to complete in many state championships. Later, he switched gears and became the coach for the Brevard Sharks softball team, who won 5th place in the world tournament.

Above all, Frank loved his family and he loved Jesus. During his 61 years of marriage, he and Dee Dee made countless trips watching their grandchildren play baseball, softball, basketball, football and soccer. His family made many trips together, venturing up and down the eastern US, visiting relatives in Maryland and Virginia, and taking vacations in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

At home, his family gathered for church every Sunday at Calvary Chapel in Viera, where he was also a cherished member of the barbecue team. He loved to work the grill, and to serve his family and friends. Family lunches were a staple of Sunday afternoons, and it brought him so much joy to have his family over for a good meal, especially his barbecue chicken. His warm laugh, kind heart and generous spirit brought so much joy to those around him.

In the last few months of his life, Frank became known as superman to everyone around him. Time and time again, he left us all amazed at his strength and will to keep going, despite the many challenges he faced. No matter what was thrown at him, he wasn’t going anywhere until he was ready. He will always be remembered as our superhero.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Dee Dee; his daughters, Kerry Jennings and husband Greg, and Stacey Jett and husband Kelly; his grandchildren, Greg Jr Jennings, Chase Jett, Brianna Jennings, Victoria Jennings, Cameron Jennings, Carson Jett and Cayden Jett; his sister, Susie Boggs, and nephew, Timothy Gilliam. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jenny Gilliam, and grandson, Clayton Townsend-Jett.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at Serenity Venue, located at 3980 Sarno Rd Suite 103, Melbourne, FL 32934. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in celebrating Frank.

We wish to thank all of those who have joined us in prayer these last few months. If Frank was still here, his heart would be to thank every person himself.