Franklin Delano Thrift, Sr.

     ELLAVILLE, GA --- Mr. Franklin “Frank” D. Thrift, Sr., age 75, of Ellaville, Georgia, passed away at his home Sunday, February 24, 2013.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Watson-Giddens Funeral Home.  Dr. Ben Foxworth will officiate with full Masonic Rites to be administered.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM prior to the service.  Family will also receive friends at Davenport Funeral Home in Walhalla, SC Friday, March 1, 2013 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM.  Burial will follow in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

     Mr. Thrift was born in Anderson, South Carolina on June 10, 1937.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorine (Sutherland) Thrift and Calloway W. Thrift both of Iva, South Carolina.

      Mr. Thrift was the widower of Dorothy Helen (Pelfrey) Thrift (1937 – 2011), who was the daughter of the late Lassie Lee (Ramey) and Lawrence Pelfrey, both of Seneca, South Carolina. Frank and Dorothy were also predeceased by a son, Timothy Thrift in 1960.

      Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Bryan Richardson of Concord, GA; daughter and son-in-law Patsy and Joseph Kirkland of Ellaville, GA; daughter Lorine Thrift of Ellaville, GA; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Wayne Sayah of Lakewood, WA; son and daughter-in-law Franklin Delano II and Connie Thrift of Lawrenceville, GA; special family friend Brad Goodman of Douglasville, GA; grandchildren Barbara Richardson, Christina Richardson, Eddie Strickland, Krystelle Wosyk, Joseph Kirkland II, Christie Rae Coker, Brittany Farmer, Tiffany Thrift, Franklin Delano Thrift III and Jessie Thrift; and 10 great grandchildren.

Frank was a compassionate and devoted man who spent his life serving his country, his community and his family alike, which was his lifelong passion.

      Hard work, learned from laboring on the family farm and the local Anderson, S.C.  Mills as a child and young man was a primary core value which drove Frank in life. This ensured completion of tasks and instilled pride in doing all things “the right way” and to completion.

      Having served over twenty three years, along with six combat tours in Vietnam, SFC E-7 Franklin Thrift retired from the United States Army a world travelled man, and made his home alongside his family in Georgia.

      After his second retirement, from Government Service at Dobbins Naval Air Station, Frank continued to impact others while working in his community. In addition to being an active member of the American Legion Post 191 of Ellaville, Brother Frank was a constant and devoted member of the Masonic Order and held plural memberships with Marion Lodge #14 F. & A. M., where he served as Worshipful Master for eight years. He was a member of Fickling Lodge #129 and his home lodge was Acworth Lodge #176 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001. Brother Frank was Worshipful Master of the Third District Convention during the 2011-2012 term, as well as having served as District Deputy to the Grand Master for several years.  Frank was also a Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason.

      Mr. Thrift never met a stranger, and could often be seen at the local café early mornings, chatting over a cup of coffee. His friends were his family and his families were his friends. While he dedicated his entire life pursuing his life’s passion, his greatest accomplishment was the positive impact he had on all the lives he touched.  May the love he shared for everyone alike, be continued in the way we touch others’ lives. 

      In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas  66675.     

      Watson-Giddens Funeral Home of Ellaville, GA is in charge of arrangements.