Pickens SC - Franklin David Masters, was born in Pickens County, June 27, 1947 to the late Woodrow and Geneva Nix Masters, died March 2, 2025, at his home after a courageous seven year battle with cancer.
Frank was a graduate of Liberty High School (1965), Anderson Junior College and East Tennessee State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He worked with the State ABC Commission after his graduation. He later worked as a salesman with the Stihl company, Pickens County Tax Assessors Office and Pickens County Veterans Affairs office.
Frank’s weekends were spent as owner/operator of Laurel Valley Lodge for years of which many friends and family have such fond memories of the great meals, entertainment, and meeting new and old friends.
Frank grew up in Roanoke Baptist Church and was a member there prior to becoming a faithful member of Rocky Bottom Baptist Church and Winding Creek Baptist Church. Frank was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a church need. His servant’s heart extended to his membership in the Pickens Service Club, American Legion Post 52, Pickens County Historical Society, and Sons of the Confederacy, where he served as Adjutant. Frank honorably served his country in the Army.
Frank enjoyed driving the school bus in high school. His love for meeting people-young and old—led him back to driving for YLA field trips and Clemson Club seniors. He drove for the Pickens County Bus Drivers until recently retiring due to health issues. His joy was driving the students to their schools and listening to them tell their stories. He always stated, “Kids will tell you the truth.”
Frank (Sunset-Hiker’s Name) discovered his love for hiking in his late 50’s. This love resulted in his greatest fulfillment of thru-hiking the three major trails in the United States---Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He hiked these trails not just once, but twice to receive a coveted award of being a Double Triple Crowner, a most prestigious title. He thru-hiked the Florida Trail, the Appalachian Trail for the third time, and many short hikes with friends who could not thru-hike.
Walking all these trails resulted in hiking more than 20,000 miles. He continued his love for hiking until his death.
Frank is survived by two beloved sisters, Martha M. Seaborn-Bolding, (Jammy), Pickens, and Nancy M. Ellenburg, (Gary), Liberty. He is also survived by two brothers, Doug Masters, (Toni), Liberty, and Jimmy Masters, (Ellen), Sunset. His nieces and nephews adored their “Uncle Frank”. Several nieces, Pam Phillips, Paula Welborn, Melissa Smith, Kimberly Rogers, Amanda Hinson, and nephews, Shane Masters (Deceased), Chris Ellenburg and Zachary Masters who will always remember his love for them. His beloved lifetime friend, Jean Cowell of Columbia, SC, was always his encourager through the years. He will be remembered for continuously demonstrating his love for family and friends by always placing their needs before his.
The family would like to convey their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, interim health and hospice personnel who provided excellent care to our dear brother.
Funeral Service will be 3 pm, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, Pickens, South Carolina.
Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 2:00 to 2:45 PM.
A Private Entombment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Rocky Bottom Baptist Church, Cemetery Fund, 174 Rocky Bottom Church Road, Sunset, S.C.
