Mr. Franklin Moss Sr.

The Honorable Franklin Douglas Moss Sr. was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 8, 1944. He was the third of five boys born to Claudie Moss Sr. and Eva Moten Moss. A lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Frank attended Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1963.

At an early age, Frank united with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor W. M. Dixon. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. During the 1970s, he served as a Sunday School teacher and went on to serve as a deacon for more than 50 years, faithfully committed to his church and community. He was also a devoted participant of the Ebenezer Music Ministry and an active contributor to the Federated Male Chorus, holding the seat for Reporting Secretary for numerous years.

Following high school, Frank worked as a janitor at LTV, All Saints Hospital, and other jobs to finance his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Wesleyan College, where he was later honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award and named Alumnus of the Year.

Frank continued his education at The University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in 1973 with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Urban Affairs. He later became the first Black president of the UTA Alumni Association and received the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award as well as the UTA School of Urban and Public Affairs Distinguished Alumni Award. In 1977, he completed postgraduate studies at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and pursued advanced studies in Urban Finance at UTA.

In the year of his graduation from UTA, Frank married the love of his life, Christene Chadwick, beginning a partnership that would anchor his life and service.

Frank’s professional career was marked by trailblazing leadership and lasting impact. In 1972, he became the first city planner for the City of Mansfield, Texas. In 1974, he served as Senior Manpower Planner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. From 1979 to 1993, he served for 13 years as Executive Director of the Fort Worth Economic Development Corporation. He also served as an adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan University, East Texas State University, and The University of Texas at Arlington, teaching courses in Economic Development, Workforce Systems, and Black History.

In 1993, Frank founded Moss Real Estate and Development Group, further extending his influence in economic development and community revitalization. His contributions earned him the National Association of Development Organizations Region 6 Hall of Fame Award and the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association Partnership Award.

Frank was first elected to the Fort Worth City Council representing District 5 from 1998 to 2004 and again from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, he was a tireless champion for quality housing and neighborhood redevelopment. His leadership helped secure Fort Worth’s first Neighborhood Empowerment Zone for Stop Six, as well as additional zones for Handley, Arlington Lake, and Polytechnic. He supported and advanced numerous housing developments and renovations, including Ramey Place, Enchanted Bay, Eastland Townhomes, senior housing initiatives, neighborhood apartment revitalizations, and initiated the redevelopment of Cavile Place. He also founded The Center for Stop Six Heritage, preserving and honoring the history, people, churches, schools, and institutions that shaped the community. Frank secured bond funding for Fire Station No. 27, supported improved firefighter staffing models, and contributed to lowering insurance rates through enhanced fire protection services.

Beyond Fort Worth, Frank’s leadership reached statewide and national levels. He was very instrumental in the development of and served as President of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members and was active with the Texas Municipal League, the National League of Cities, and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. His commitment to history and preservation included service on the Tarrant County Historic Commission. He was a charter member and past president of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society. He also served the Fort Worth/Tarrant County NAACP for 40 years as Treasurer, a member of the executive board, and a lifetime member of the organization. Frank was an ambassador for 45 years with the Ambassadors of Fort Worth, Inc., and a Charter member of the Sojourner Truth Players. In 2024, alongside his wife Christene Chadwick Moss, Frank received the 2024 Tarrant County Harambee Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Claudie Moss Sr. and Eva Moten Moss, and his brother, John Moss.

He leaves cherished memories to his devoted wife, Christene Chadwick Moss; his sons, Edmond L. Moss and Franklin Douglas Moss Jr. (Mia Moss); his daughter, Kimberlen Moss Simpson; his brothers, Claudie Moss Jr., James Moss (Greta Moss), and Kenneth Moss (Sharon Moss); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

Above all, Franklin D. Moss Sr. was a devoted husband, father, mentor, and friend. His legacy lives on through stronger neighborhoods, empowered citizens, and a city made better because he served.