Frank Arnold Gossett

Frank Arnold Gossett, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed into the eternal care of his God and Savior and his heavenly reward on October 14, at the Willson Hospice House. Frank was born March 26, 1930, to Blank and Elsie in Lancaster, Ohio. He was the devoted husband of Virginia, his loving wife, helpmate and partner in life for 72 years, until she passed away in 2021. Frank was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Robert, his sister, Vivian, and his son, Frank, Jr. He is survived by daughters, Jean of Albany, Linda (Paul) of Jacksonville, FL, and Janice of Gettysburg, PA. Frank was also predeceased by his grandson, Jerry Phillips. His surviving grandchildren are Tina Granade (Chad) of Shelby, NC; Timothy Phillips (Amanda) of Palm Coast, FL; Hannah Ford of Brooklyn, NY; Amelia Ford of Huntingdon, PA; and Lee Ford of Atlanta, GA. His great grandchildren are Faith, Jared, and Ethan Granade, and Piper and Jacob Phillips. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families. Frank served in the Marines, and then he enlisted in the Air Force. He arrived in Albany as an airman in 1948. He was impressed by the sight of palm tree-lined streets of Albany, commenting that it seemed like paradise. After a whirlwind courtship with Virginia, Frank eloped with the beautiful Southern belle who had stolen his heart. She was the love of his life and together they built a wonderful life with each other and for their children. As a young Air Force couple, the Gossett’s lived in Illinois, Kansas, and Puerto Rico, before settling in a home they built in Putney, GA. Frank continued his service to the government at Turner Airfield in civil service as a plane mechanic and later in logistics and communications at the Marine Corps Logistics Base. He retired in 1985. Frank graduated from Darton College in the same ceremony as his granddaughter, Tina. This was a proud accomplishment at the age of 65. Frank was a talented musician, and for many years played bluegrass and gospel music with friends. He was an artist and author, having published three books on local history which are catalogued in the Library of Congress. They are “Turner AFB, Turner Field’s Second Life”; “History of Putney, Georgia – The First 120 Years”; and “The Dixie Highway in Southwest Georgia.” He researched and wrote a book on the genealogy of his ancestors and one on Virginia’s family tree. Frank built almost 100 model military aircraft, and built several computer systems from parts. Frank often joked that he was jack of all trades, but a master of none. Frank enjoyed many lasting friendships over the years, with neighbors and in civic groups and clubs. Sadly, most of these friends have passed on already. Frank set a wonderful example of a hard-working devoted husband and father for his children to follow. He’ll always be remembered as the best father ever and sorely missed by his loving daughters. They take comfort in the knowledge that he has been made whole again and reunited with Virginia and son, Frankie. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of The Phoenix of Albany and the Willson Hospice House. They also sincerely appreciate the care and support of Kwajalein Guest, Frank’s devoted caregiver. The family will receive guests at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 19th, at 1:00 PM, followed by a service there at 2:00 PM. The burial will be private. You may sign the online guestbook at www.kimbrellstern.com.

Frank Arnold Gossett

March 26, 1930 - October 14, 2022