Frank E. Eye

Names mean something! Our father, Frank Eye could not have been more appropriately named. Merriam Webster defines “Frank” as “free, forthright, and sincere expression.” Dad will always be remembered for his free, forthright, and sincere expression. You never had to wonder about his opinion, he had one on everything, and eagerly shared it with anyone and everyone.
Frank Eldon Eye was born on March 24, 1925 in Rantool, Kansas to Dr. Boyd Franklin and Mary Jane Eye. He was the oldest of 3 children and was often called “Little Doc” as he accompanied his father on house calls. Frank was very proud of his younger sister, Dr. Launita Proctor, and his musician brother Pete Eye, of the Kansas City jazz group, the Pete Eye Trio.
WWII changed the trajectory of Frank’s life as it did so many others. He volunteered, joined the Marines and served in the Pacific theater. The GI Bill later allowed him to attend the University of Missouri, where he met a beauty queen from Valdosta, Georgia. Frank would later say of that time, “I did not excel in my classes, but I was successful in my pursuit of Mary Judson Lilly.”He would eventually earn numerous college degrees including two master’s degrees in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering.
Frank and Mary Judson enjoyed 66 years of marriage and together raised five children while moving up the corporate ladder in the steel industry. After the collapse of the steel industry, Frank brought his family to Georgia to care for Mary Judson’s ailing mother. Frank worked with John Langdale at the Langdale Company for a number of years. After retiring, he devoted his time to tinkering in his workshops and caring for Mary Judson.
Frank was very proud of the blessings God bestowed upon him. He often claimed “he was one of the most blessed people you’ll ever know.” He counted his wife, Mary Judson, as his greatest earthly blessing, followed by his children and his physical health and well being. He was exceptionally strong and healthy until his recent bout with cancer.
Today, Frank is survived by four of his children, Mary (John) Kliem of Bessemer, PA, Susan (Jim) Wheeler of Valdosta, John J. Eye of Brunswick, Margaret (Hank) Fender of Lake Park, and daughter-in-law Sally (Paul) Fender Eye of Valdosta. He also leaves behind grandchildren Justin (Marissa) Kliem of New Castle, Pa, Jason (Dawn) Kliem of Bessemer, Pa, Claudia (Chris) Griffin of Valdosta, Virginia (William) Atkinson of Lake Park, and Eden (Riley) Gerrald of Valdosta. He will also be missed by his eleven great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Boyd and Mary Jane Eye of Garnett, Kansas, brother Pete Eye of Kansas City, Kansas, sister and brother-in-law Dr’s Launita and Dan Proctor of Shelby, NC. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Judson Lilly Eye, son Paul Franklin Eye, and Great Grandson Aidan Kliem of Bessemer Pa..
Frank’s family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers, doctors, and nurses at the two Veteran’s Administration facilities that provided end of life care for him. Both the Gainesville, FL and Lake City, FL hospitals provided outstanding hospice care. The family would also like to thank the wonderful people at the Lake Park Cracker Barrel and McDonald’s for all of the meals they served Frank and most importantly, the love they showed him. The love and compassion the Lake Park community demonstrated to Frank in his final years meant more to him than many will ever know.
The family would also like to thank the staff and members of the First Baptist Church of Valdosta. Frank loved his church, was so proud to have served as a Deacon there, and so appreciated the visits his pastors and friends made in his last days.
Frank lived life on his own terms until April 24th, 2019 when God called his name. The family rejoices that Frank and Mary Judson have been reunited and will walk over heaven together.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Chuck Owens and Rev. Dennis Massie officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.