Frank

Frank, full name, Harry Frank McKinzie.

Frank was born on December 28th, 1946 , in Memphis, TN. Frank, to the utter heartbreak of those closest to him, passed away on July 1, 2023.

Throughout the seventy-six years and six months he vividly spent his life, he went on many dynamic adventures, saw the world, loved deeply, and overcame everything that tried to deter him. Frank was often heard reminiscing during his time in the United States Marine Corps. Frank was not like any other Marine, buthe was a Force Recon Marine, who wore a Black beret, greatly excelled and was a distinguished honor graduate of the Naval Academy, number one, set apart, and unmatched in every arena he faced, during a time where racism was very blatant in the military. Frank was seemingly made of iron, steel, bullets, and gunpowder, he even saw combat in the Vietnam War, and came out with bullet wounds, and memories that he always remembered, chuckled over, shared, and treasured. Frank was a very kind, intelligent, strong-willed, and intimidating man, at least six feet and three inches, with very broad muscled shoulders, and a wide bright smile along with his deep velvety chocolate skin and baritone voice. Frank loved his Blackness, to the admiration of many. Frank was very tactful and in control of himself and his emotions, he often struck up positive conversation with individuals, giving compliments with those he met as he went shopping or dining. Frank was often seen giving food to neighbors, and even the cats that frequented his residence. Frank played chess and poker well, and he often watched cowboy movies. Frank was a great cook and ate very well, he always took care of himself, rarely ate sugary items, and always ordered vegetables at restaurants. Frank loved James Bond. Most dear to Frank was his family, he even wrote a book titled "Family Reunion: How to Plan Yours." Frank's life inspired many, and even one of his sons continued in the military legacy. Frank was a true gentleman, and he taught his daughters the manners of one. Frank loved the Temptations, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and during Christmas time, he would play the Christmas Motown Oldies, and he lit up the room whenever he started to sing along. Frank was well spoken, spoke eloquently, had an impressive vocabulary, never used profanity, and was not a drinker. Frank grew up in Scripture and in the study of God's Word. Even as he aged, when asked a Biblical question, like the oldest man in the Bible, he immediately remembered the man Enoch. Although Frank has physically left, I believe he is in Heaven with Jesus, the Good Lord, and the Good Spirit as Frank would say. It is hard to believe Frank is gone, he was such a constant, steady force. Frank was a blessing and a light. Anyone who knew him was better for it, and those that hold him dearly in their hearts will always have his stories to hold onto, and his lessons to apply and share to the next generation. Frank will always be remembered, greatly treasured, and deeply missed. What a great man he was! To the utmost, Frank will always be truly loved.