Richard Michael Frank

Richard Michael Frank, age 64, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024, eager to join his wife and best friend in Heaven. After a brief, but courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer, God relieved him of his pain and called him home.

Richard “Rick” “Poppy” Michael Frank was born in Hapeville, Georgia to Jacqueline Buffington and Bill Cates on March 1, 1959. Rick proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation mechanic. Upon retiring he spent time as a commercial truck driver and eventually working for and retiring from Cleveland Electric.

His time was best spent outdoors alongside his family. Rick’s best friend was his wife and they created a home that was always welcoming to their family, friends and neighbors. He was a proud and loving father, and cherished his role as a grandfather (Poppy). He enjoyed making them laugh, helping them practice hitting and catching in the yard, chatting on the porch and attending their sporting events. Rick was gentle, honest and devoted to his family. He was a friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sherry “Mama Ree” Gail (Mardis) Frank; his father, Bill Cates; his mother, Jacqueline Buffington; and his sister, Janice Woyan. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Frank) Upton; son-in-law, Chris Upton; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Harp) Garrigus and her husband, Andrew Garrigus; grandsons, Ethan Garrigus, Ryder Upton and Mason Upton; step-mother, Wanda Cates; several nieces and a nephew; along with many whom “Poppy” and “Mama Ree” deeply loved like their own children and grandchildren.