Frank Southers

Frank Vernon Southers, 84, of Kingsport, died peacefully in his home on April 12, 2018 after an extended illness.

Frank was born August 18, 1933 in Sullivan County, TN. His parents were Worley and Grace Southers. He attended Blountville High School, where he played basketball and baseball, and later enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Key West, FL where he served aboard a submarine tender during the Korean War. He also represented his naval base on the baseball field, playing catcher.

After returning from service Frank attended East Tennessee State University where he played on the golf team. This sparked a lifelong love of the game as he continued competing in many amateur events over the years. Frank then began a long and successful career with State Farm Insurance, where he enjoyed building strong relationships with his customers. Upon retirement, Governor Don Sundquist presented him with the award of Tennessee Colonel. Frank also sponsored and coached youth baseball in Kingsport for many years, including teams with both of his sons. His family and his career brought him much pride and joy over the years.

An active sportsman, Frank took up fishing and became an avid bass fisherman. He loved being out on the lake with his close friends, and could tell a fish tale with the best of them. Frank was a captivating storyteller and loved to entertain people with stories of his adventures, which he told regularly and at length to family and friends. He had an engaging sense of humor and was always ready with a joke and a smile. He loved to make people laugh. He was a loyal friend, a faithful father, and a dedicated husband.

Frank is survived by his wife of 22 treasured years, Glenda Southers of Kingsport, son Frank Southers and daughter-in-law Beth Southers of Atlanta GA, son Mark Southers and daughter-in-law Wendy Southers of Fairburn GA, stepchildren Jeff and Jennifer Miller of Kingsport, Lisa and Tripp Herndon of Durham NC, and grandchildren Jack Southers of Atlanta GA, Lindsey Southers of Memphis TN, Maddy Southers of Clemson SC, Shelby Southers of Fairburn GA, and step-grandchildren Christopher and Jennifer Herndon of Durham NC, and Rachel Miller of Kingsport. He also leaves behind a brother, Roy Southers of Knoxville TN.

The family will receive friends at Hamlet Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport on Sunday, April 15, 2018 beginning at 2:00pm. A memorial service will follow at 4:00pm with Rev. Buddy Butler officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Rock Springs United Methodist Church, 227 Church View Dr, Kingsport, TN 37664.