Frank Merrill Bumstead

Frank Merrill Bumstead of Nashville, Tennessee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him, lived eighty-three exciting, rewarding, dynamic, impactful years among his family, friends, and community. He was born on February 25th, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY and passed from Nashville into Heaven on July 20th, 2025.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Ann; his proud son Gantt and daughter-in-law Robin; his proud son Matt and daughter-in-law Krista; his adoring grandchildren Bass, Merrill, Ash, Nate, Mary Evans, and Witt Bumstead, and Susannah Brownlow and husband Carson; his sister Jane; and many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Madelaine Bumstead; his brothers, Bob Bumstead and William Austin; his parents-in-law, Jack and Doris Snell; his daughter-in-law, Christy Bumstead; his sister-in-law, Kathy Ferrara; his brother-in-law, Dave Phillips; and his nephew, David Snell.

Frank grew up in Dallas, Texas. He was a graduate of Hillcrest High School and Southern Methodist University and was part of the second graduating class of the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt with a Master’s in Business Administration. Along with being a stellar student throughout his academic career, Frank was a decorated and heavily recruited high school basketball standout. He started as point guard of the SMU Mustangs, his hometown team, and helped lead them to a conference co-championship in 1962. He loved sports and competition of all kinds, but basketball was always his first sporting love.

Frank was married to Ann Snell Bumstead of Vernon, Texas, on August 29th, 1964. They had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone achieved by fewer than 5% of married couples. Their marriage was filled with adventure and was known to be an exceptional and loving partnership between two strong, highly gifted, and capable equals.

Other than his family, Frank’s greatest source of pride in this life was his military service. Frank served honorably in the United States Navy from 1965-1970, including serving as Lieutenant during the Vietnam War. His commitment, ingenuity, and cleverness as a mine warfare officer protected and saved a great many American and allied lives and interests on and in the rivers and harbors of Vietnam.

Frank and his young family arrived in Nashville in 1970. From there, he and Ann lived a story that could best be described as the fulfillment of the American dream. The oldest child of a successful minister of music, Frank started his career in business with few connections and fewer resources. He served on the staff of Governor Winfield Dunn alongside Nashville real estate icon Ted Welch, moving from there to work with Third National Bank, developing and leading Murfree Mortgage. He later worked with Joe Rogers, Nashville business leader and future U.S. Ambassador to France, as CEO of JMR Investments and went on to serve and support numerous private clients as owner of The Bumstead Company.

In 1990, he co-founded and led a partnership that would become Flood, Bumstead, McCready, and McCarthy. Known today as FBMM, the company is a giant in the music industry and is one of the most successful financial and business management firms of its kind, with offices in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles. He loved his work, and he loved his FBMM family even more. Through his work at and leadership of FBMM, Frank made an impact for good on countless lives.

Frank loved to give and serve. Surprising people with unexpected gestures of generosity was as nourishing to his spirit as was taking in a deep breath. He was both a committed and faithful volunteer to numerous nonprofit organizations and a highly respected member of various corporate boards. Whether supporting our nation’s heroes by serving on the board of Overwatch Alliance or supporting Nashville’s exceptional Junior League as part of its Board of Trust, whether helping grow and strengthen United Supermarkets or teaching about business as part of Junior Achievement, whether serving for over twenty years as a founding member of the Memorial Foundation Board or serving for twenty years as a board member of Brookdale Senior Living, Frank could always be found giving his utmost – and often leading both committees and conversations. He was especially humbled and proud to serve for twelve years on the board of the Country Music Association, including serving as CMA Board President in 2014 and as Board Chairman in 2015.

Frank was recognized many times throughout his life for his contribution both to the music industry and to his community. Several of the most notable honors bestowed upon him are the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation, the Francis Robinson Award for significant contributions to the arts in the Nashville area from Nashville Opera, and the J. William Denny Award for a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors. Frank’s commitment and dedication to serving others made a generational impact on innumerable lives, both directly and indirectly.

Frank’s greatest contribution in this world, though, was to his family. No matter how great the demands of his work and community commitments, he relentlessly poured himself out to those he held dearest. If his sons or daughters-in-law called, he answered – no matter where he was or what he was doing. He loved to make his grandchildren laugh, and he found tremendous joy in delighting them – which he did on a regular basis. His love for them was so great that he would even share his beloved ice cream with them! Every grandchild had the experience of being repeatedly whisked away by Frankie, whether to the Nashville Zoo or to New York City. When Frankie was around, fun was sure to follow. He was a constant encourager, always building up his family members – both immediate and extended. Each family member’s belief in his or her own ability, talent, and potential was increased exponentially after time spent with Frank. He was always ready to give limitlessly from his treasure trove of knowledge, experience and wisdom; his children, grandchildren, in-laws, and nieces and nephews all knew they could get fantastic advice and generous help from Frank at a moment’s notice. No family members ever left Frank’s side without knowing both that he loved them and that he thought they were very special.

Frank Bumstead was deeply loved, and he will never be replaced. His legacy of love and impact, however, will live forever.

An informal visitation for the purpose of celebrating Frank’s life will be held at Mount Olivet Funeral Home on August 9th, from 12pm-2pm. Other services are private. Please contact Mount Olivet Funeral Home with inquiries.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following organizations for memorials and tributes in honor of Frank’s life: Cumberland Heights, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Family and Children’s Service, and the Frank M. and Ann S. Bumstead Scholarship at Owen Graduate School of Management.