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FUNERAL HOME

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

660 Thompson Ln

Nashville, Tennessee

Frank KNAPP Obituary

KNAPP, FrankThe Singing Skydiver and America's oldest teenager, passed away at the age of 26 on February 11, 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Knapp. Frankie is survived by his daughter, Erin (Alvin) Williams; grandchildren, Marcus and Ella Jones; brother, Franklin Hagert Knapp and his cousin, Billy Small. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean on Feb. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank KNAPP

73 Entries

Linda B Mabry

June 1, 2021

Frank and I dated and he was a genuine gentleman! He would take me flying and sing to me! Have me watch him skydive! Introduce me to all his friends(regular & celebrities) He was a fine friend and I am saddened that I did not know when he passed! RIP a True Southern Gentleman

darlene zuccarello

January 1, 2017

I had no idea Frankie had passed away...we were so close in our younger yrs.. .did so much together. .at one point we were going to get married but our religons were totally opposite each other...so we decided to part...that was very painful...He will be sorely missed...

Tim Crick

February 9, 2013

Just heard of Frank's passing. Frank was the pilot on my first airplane ride. I'm glad I got to see him a couple of years ago to say hello. Blue Skies Frank.

August 3, 2012

Dear Friend, little did we know that when we talked with you in Dec. that it was to be our last conversation with you. We are missing you so much right now, because today is August 3 and we just found out. We had not been on facebook for awhile and missed the news. Frank and I went to MTSU and grad. in 1964. Dearest Frankie,
RIP and hugs to you, Ruby, and Frank Sr. I know you all are rejoicing in heaven, with the Lord now together. I will always remember sweet Ruby with her beautiful bible and reading it always. Erin our deepest condolences. Always, the Garcias from Corpus Christi, Texas Eddie and Imelda Garcia and family.

Tracilyn VKAT

June 13, 2012

I was in the process of messaging Frank, when I noticed various postings on his FB page indicating he had recently transitioned on. In 2010, I was at Douglas Corner for a writers night, when Donnie mentioned it would be nice if someone would stop by the Vanderbilt hospital to lift his spirits. The next day, I stopped by his room with a guitar, introduced myself and before you knew it, we were doing a round on his hospital bed, and he was sharing all kinds of fascinating stories. He was waiting to transfer to another facility and asked if I would mind driving him over. We stopped by a local gas station/ mini-mart for a drink, and he asked if I would mind buying him a pack of cigarets. I smiled at him and said, "I might be a stranger, but I already love you too much to do that". He chuckled, than later we said our good byes once he was checked in to the new place. We connected a few more times at writer night venues, and he would always mention his hands were giving him a hard time, and that he just can't play like he use to. I always reminded him to be optimistic and encouraged him to do his best. I loved sitting in the front and watching him perform his songs. He had a unique way of making me feel special and he was loved by everyone. His friendship meant a lot to me, and I always looked forward to meeting him at an open mic. He had a way of making a nobody feel like a somebody and the lonely trips to Nashville more like a visit to an ol' friend's home. I'll miss our talks, but have wonderful memories to share with others. My warmest regards to everyone who knew him, and didn't have the opportunity to meet him.

Mike McClellan

April 25, 2012

I just learned of Frank's passing. I felt very confident on my first skydive with Frank behind the stick. We went on to make many jumps together, and the DZ was always more fun when Frank was around. My favorite memory was when he flew 'the Dog" down to the Dickson aiport, and gave me a lift so I could skydive into my 10 yr High School reunion. He made me a hero that day. Thats what Frank was all about.
Mike McClellan
Fredericksburg, VA

Ron Box

March 28, 2012

Frank was a member of our Church, Radnor Primitive Baptist Church and was a strong believer in the sovereign grace of God. Now he gets to see that grace in action and it is far above any good things that we can imagine. Erin, may God give you and your family peace and strength in your loss. God Bless, Ron Box

March 25, 2012

Frank and I skydived together in the early 70"s he was a great person and a good friend although thru the years we lost track he was always remembered when skydivers would get together and talk about old times He also was a good singer and we always would go and listen to him in Nashville Rest in peace my friend Sincerely Scott Stevens Still skydiving

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

My Jump Master Frank in Eagleville, TN around 1987.

Kristi Page

March 19, 2012

Billy Blanton

March 16, 2012

I met Frank in 1971 while doing a gig at Papanias in Lake Charles Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, my wife and I were in Nashville, and saw Frank at the Holiday Inn on Murfreesbo Rd. The next time I saw Frank was in 1994 in Nasshville the Embassy Suites airport whe he was having a "writer's nite. I retired from the business in 1987 due to health problems but living nearby, we saw each other in the Kroger store. I am shocked to learn of his passing. He was a super friend. My prayers are with the family and friends. Please email me at: [email protected]. Thanks! Billy Blanton

jon sheppard

March 10, 2012

I moved to Nashville in the semi late 60's. Frank and I hit it off immediately. One of our super times was when we jumped from 15,000 feet into Cornelia Fort. But to top all of this Frank knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. So today he walks the streets of gold with Jesus.

Doug Wilson

March 8, 2012

It was always a good time @ the DZ when you were there Frank. Glad I got to jump with you on a few. Thank you for your contribution to the Sport so many of us will always Love. Thank you for jumping with me when I was a few jump chump. Lol, Never a dull moment. RIP my friend.

Lisa Knapp Jackson

February 23, 2012

Uncle Frankie, I will miss you, but will always carry the wonderful memories of times we shared. Give Grandaddy and Ruby a hug and kiss from me. I know your singing.

Ed Scott

February 23, 2012

Expert skydiver, singer/songwriter, guitar player, when I started jumping with the Tenn Tech Skydivers in 1975, Frank was the envy of all. I recall many nights being entertained by him at the airport Holiday Inn in Nashville. I must confess to stealing his story about landing out and asking the backwoods woman pointing a shotgun "Ma'am, can you tell me where I am?" "Earth" she said.

rita davenport

February 21, 2012

It would fill a book to share the fond memories I cherish about Frank (Frankie to me) He was genuinely a good person and my hero in many occasions. He use to let me carpool with him to MTSU which made my commuting from Nashville possible. He performed once in Phoenix and I was able to have him as a guest on my local TV show. It was a thrill for me to showcase such a dear talented guy. I hosted a chili supper to welcome him to Arizona. We went shopping for gifts for his daughter who he gushed about constantly. One of the funniest things from his visit though was he decided to take home a car full of tumbleweeds as a souvenir from Arizona. Cracked us all up! He made my life better and I'm a better person from knowing him. Looks like he will light up the Heavens now as he lit up the lives of folks that knew and appreciated his greatness. I am so sorry he is gone. Wish I could have been with him more. It's like Billy Graham once told me-the puzzling thing about life is the brevity. I miss him already

Richard Ladd

February 19, 2012

Thanks Frank for a lot of fun and good memories of the early jump days around Cornelia Fort. While I enjoyed flying jumpers I never sky-dived myself, yet Frank was always trying to get me try it until one day I got the chance to jump out of a Navy F-4; all-expenses paid..."static-line" I think they used to call it! Frank didn't think it counted as a "real" jump.

Cheryl Whitford

February 18, 2012

About 40 years ago I jumped with Frank at the McCombs drop zone north of El Paso, TX. I remember his wonderful singing at our campfire. I never had the opportunity to meet his mother, Ruby, but know she was the third person in the world to become a member of the ‘Jumpers Over Eighty Society'. May their spirits soar the blue skies in peace.

February 18, 2012

Patti and I will surely miss you, Frank. Thank You for being our friend. Jerry and Patti Workman

Frank on final approch

Steve Wood

February 18, 2012

We had a lot of good times together making demo jumps and weekend skydives at Eagleville. Those days will be fondly remembered, as will you. You've always had a good heart. Fair well my friend.

Paul Jones

February 18, 2012

I have not been in touch with Frank for many years. Really, not since the Nashville Parachute Club folded. So there is a lot of catching up that I'd like to do about his life.

He was jumping when I began, which was 774 jumps ago. I miss the sport, I miss the people, and I miss Frank.

I always admired and enjoyed Frank. We did a lot of jumping together at a lot of DZs. Frank was always calm, cool, and collected; with a funny take on most things. With his deep voice, steady facial expression, and laconic speech, he always inspired respect.

He might have nice new gear on occasion, but more often it was held together with layer after layer of gray duct tape. Frank being on the DZ always meant a better day!

I am so glad to read all the entries here and to know that so many people loved him. God bless Frank; and God bless you all.

Paul S. Jones

Billy Ray Reynolds

February 18, 2012

Hey Frank,
Words are not enough to say what a great friend you've been. I'll always look back at the many good times we had and remember you as one of my best friends. You will forever be an, " Unsolved Mystery." In fond rememberance, your friend, Billy Ray Reynolds

Melody Guy

February 17, 2012

I love you Frank. You were always such a great friend to me! Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with everyone.

February 17, 2012

Frank was a good oh boy, skydiver, and a country singer from Nashville. Skydiving boogies will never be the same without Frank, You will be missed. D. Cazer

Candy Eurton

February 17, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Cowboy Slim

February 17, 2012

Frank, you made us laugh, you made us smile, sometimes, you even made us cry. My life is much richer for having known you, if only for a few short years. Thank you. Now pull that damned cord!

Angela Working

February 17, 2012

In 2008, I went home to my roots in Nashville for the week while researching my genealogy and learning from family and long time friends about the Working Family. 'Uncle' Frankie invited me to come to his home, as it had been the home my Gran lived in before she passed. He shared pictures, memories, and love for friends and family with me that day. Thank you Frankie for reminding me of the love of our family. I will always remember the laughter, and the way you would "drop in" to my Uncle Tim's parties! Although gone from our sight, you will always be close to our hearts. Until we meet again...

Jon Hiett

February 17, 2012

I have alot of fond memories of Frank, from being my instructor on my first jump to the many jumps I have made with him since. Frank was a good friend, my most heartfelt condolences go to Erin and the rest of the family.

Lena Ann Love

February 17, 2012

Wayne and Lena Ann Love
Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church
Lebanon, Tennessee 37087

Greg Giles

February 17, 2012

Thanks for the memories, the laughs, the skydives--my life was much the richer for having you in it.

Doss Ervin

February 16, 2012

Thanks Frank for all the memories and a wonderful friendship.

steve

February 16, 2012

1976, the clouds blanketed the ground and nothing could be seen
at 7,500 ft. from Ben Lackey's 182, flying over Cherry Mound, TN,
Frank cut the engine and one of our 4 way said, "I can't see the ground."
Frank replied, "This ain't Michigan and there ain't no Lake Erie down
there.....GET OUT" (and we did)
(27 August 1967, 16 jumpers under canopy landed into Lake Erie
and died......they jumped from a Mitchell B-25.)
21 April 1979, you and I were part of a very early 4 way canopy stack,
you were #220 and I was #221 boy! that was fun.
Frank, you and Harry and I go back 36 years....that was a long time
to get use to seeing someone....why did you leave us?
steve D-5595 (I will look you up when I get to Heaven....for sure.)

Bill Minyard

February 16, 2012

We made a lot of skydives together. You will be missed. Minyard D-1728.

Having Fun!

Alan Stephenson

February 16, 2012

Can't have as much fun as we did

Ben Lackey Jr. C9808 D18234

February 16, 2012

Well old buddy I'll always keep the memories of you near and dear to my heart. The times we had together are still the best times of my life. Whether flying the J3 from Bakersfield to El Paso or jumping at 8:00AM on a Sunday morning in 40 MPH winds above a solid overcast and so many other wild and crazy things that we did which made us both laugh until our ribs hurt every time we saw each other. Love you my brother. I'll see you again. Keep the dirty side down until I get there. Tell Pappy and Mrs. Ruby I love them

February 16, 2012

Rest in peace my old friend. My memories of elementary and high school pranks will always remain. Should I tell everyone that you were the one who shot the rooster. Always remember. Jesse Kyle

February 16, 2012

I considered Frank a very good friend since 1968. Rest in Peace.
Vincent Kearns D-2523 Fayetteville, TN

February 16, 2012

Big Brother

Your called me your little sister for 50 years. We had a lot of great times. I had no idea that our 3 conversations in December would be
our last. I have lots of tales to tell to Erin if she would like to hear
them, like when the top blew off your convertible and putting 7 of my
friends in the VW one night after you won the Battle of the Bands,
when the Mayor's nephew broke his ankle in Columbia skydiving and
you told him they would have to amputate. I'm sorry I didn't get to say
goodbye but I know that you knew how much I always loved you.

We Will Meet Again,

Anna Stamper Shook
615-449-3924
615-804-4501
[email protected]

Ben Welch

February 16, 2012

Wishing tail winds and blue skies to my friend, fellow Quiet Birdman, and good fellow. Frank had a great ride: pilot, sky-diver, song writer, singer, guitar player, actor, bon vivant, jokester, adventurer, and the list goes on and on. Just simply a really good guy who lived life to the max. Frank Knapp has Gone West and will be missed.

Alan Stephenson

February 16, 2012

Rest in peace, jumpmaster Knapp. We had many, many great times together!

Billy Rhodes

February 16, 2012

Rest in Peace old friend. We'll always have the memories.

Mary Dawn Pafford

February 15, 2012

My condolences to the family and his friends. I never met Frank, but the name Frank Knapp was legend in our family. My dad had a Piper Cub after WWII, and knew alot of the area pilots. I still have a promo pic of Franklin Knapp the WSM 'Weather Pilot', we looked @ him like Errol Flynn.I'm writing this because I'm thinking it's the same family (forgive me if it's not). Dad sold our plane to Garland Pack who used it @ Eagleville around 1960. I understand it's still there, restored.
I would have loved to have met this handsome, loveable guy, Frank Knapp I read about in the paper today.God Bless

The Flying Falcon's skydiving exhibition team:Harry Ervin, Bob Atchison, Frank Knapp & Bill Holden

Marcelle Sweet

February 15, 2012

I first met Frank when I was 8 years old. That was 46 years ago. He has been part of our family ever since. I have so many memories of growing up, standing in harnesses while jumpers packed their rigs. Frank always recruited me for this task. He was always singing. I teased him, acting like I didn't like it but he knew I did. I would always sit and listen when he brought out his guitar and sang. I talked to Frank about 2 weeks ago. We were planning to get together with Dad (Harry Ervin) and make a few jumps in the spring. I am so thankful that we got to exchange 'I love you's' one last time. I loved him like a brother and will miss him, his smile, his laughter & big kid ways. He successfully 'never grew old'.

Steve Haltom

February 15, 2012

Frank was such a great guy..he could always make you laugh or smile with his humor or when he picked up his guitar and sang a song or told you a story! One of my fondest memories was getting to make my only skydive with Frank back in the summer of 2000 in Whiteville. I'm still in shock from the news of his passing...God Bless You "Cuz"! You will be missed! But now you fly without a chute!!!

Diane Brush

February 15, 2012

It is a blessing to know that you have been reunited with your beloved mother and dad in heaven with the Lord. You will always be remembered by your brothers and sisters at Radnor Primitive Baptist Church, especially when we sing hymn number 325. We sang it for you last Sunday morning. Mother, dad and I think back in great fondness of our trips to church with you on Sunday mornings. We will miss you.

Your sister in Christ, Diane Brush

Linda Huffman Story

February 15, 2012

With memories from high school.

Vera Lakey

February 15, 2012

I remember Frank as a friend and co-writer. We wrote together, went to song writing class together and had fun times over the years. I haven't seen hm in a while but still considered him a good friend.

3 years ago at church.

Dan Russell

February 15, 2012

I knew Bro. Frank for a long time and knew his parents as well. He always had a good word to share and a joke or two as well. I was thankful to get to visit him at both of our services at Radnor PBC on February 5th. I've seen him in action at several air shows and other skydiving events. He even took my brother and I up in a plane once. It was pretty cool until he banked to the right and all we saw was ground. There was no door.

May the Lord comfort his family and friends.

February 15, 2012

Bill & I loved you very much and always enjoyed being around you whether we were at a drop zone, Holiday Inn or here at our home. You will be greatly missed. I remember several years ago when a plane buzzed our house, about scared me to death and then found out it was you, the prankster.
Bill and Linda Hargrove Brown

Charles MacCrone

February 15, 2012

Frankie, You were a great friend from the old Cottonbelt Parachute Conference days. I will always remember you fondly. Blue skies. Your friend Chuck MacCrone D526

Jack Lyle

February 15, 2012

I remember going on a jump with Frank early in my skydiving career. I was inexperienced and plenty scared, but Frank just made it seem fun, safe, and no big deal! In those days we really looked up to him, but he always treated you like you were his best friend! I will truly miss him.

Christi Page

February 15, 2012

Frank you will always be apart of my life. You will never be forgotten. He was my skydiving instructor 28 yrs ago. I was only 16 years old. Scared to death, had never been in an airplane before, so frank took me up to give me the feel of what was instore. Yes he coached me the whole way. Will never forget the plane ride when he did rolls and all kinds of crazy stunts, my stomcah has never been the same. I asked him if he would take me back up to retreive it. Frank, I hope your riding the highest cloud. Will keep your family in my prayers. Rest in peace!!

3 years ago at church.

Dan Russell

February 15, 2012

I've known Bro. Frank for a long time. I knew his parents as well from church at Radnor PBC. He always had a good word and usually a joke or two to share. One of the songs he called for often was "My Lord I Did Not Choose You." It was good to have seen him and be with him in both services on February 5th. May the Lord comfort his friends and family.

February 15, 2012

Frankie always had a love for life. He had so many stories to share. My friend, I will miss you, say hi to your Mom and Dad for me.

Bob Working

February 15, 2012

Over the last few years, I've come to know Frank and did quite a few Skydives with him, amongst those, many were jumps in to Football games and race Tracks. Frank was the back bone of our jumps and the driving force of our success. He also became a great friend and mentor to me and well as many others!
My brother, you will be dearly missed!

Blue Skies Frank, You can now fly with your Mom and Dad at the great airport in the sky!

Jeff Napier

February 15, 2012

Carol Waugh

February 15, 2012

Frankie was a dear friend from when we were teens. I remember burning my leg on his motorcycle. The things we remember. Blessings to Frankie's entire family! Carol Kindig Waugh

Pam Bingham

February 15, 2012

He was my cousin and my friend. We hadn't seen as much of each other as we did when we were younger, but he was my brother before I had brothers. I'll miss you, Norton.

Talent Trek Agency

February 15, 2012

Frank was an amazing man and wonderful character! His personality filled the room no matter where he was or who was there. We worked with Frank on many occasions as an actor but most of all as our friend. We will always carry warm memories of him and will miss him. We know that what we have lost on earth, heaven has gained.

Frank's Talent Trek family
Evelyn, Robin, Kimberly, Juanell, Charlotte

Moore Casting, LLC

February 15, 2012

Frank will be greatly missed in the Entertainment Industry.

Regina Moore
Nancy Ellis

February 15, 2012

when I was a beginning skydiver at Eagleville Frank usually flew the plane. Ill never forget he would look at me sitting by the open door waiting for the exit, scared as heck, Frank would say " don't worry Dave, there's no Lake Erie down there" thanks for alot of good memories Frank
RIP
Dave Goddard

Mike Shoop

February 15, 2012

Rest in peace Old Friend.

shannon whitley

February 15, 2012

frankie was a dear friend and will be missed by many........i went to school with him......he was a great person to all in school..i have great memories of him..sadly missed.shannon whitley walk rip frankie

Bill Seifert

February 15, 2012

Frank was instrumental in getting me started in both skydiving and flying. He was a good guy.

Larry Working

February 15, 2012

You and your family will remain in our hearts and memories forever. The Workings and the Knapps were connected as an extended family and we will miss you our friend. "Barn Door."
All our love,
Larry and Nancy Working

February 15, 2012

No matter where I saw him, when I said "Hi Frankie", he knew it was me, of course, he said he remembers me as a 5 or 6 year old. But not many people called him Frankie. My oldest brother Jack Ewerling ran around with him when we lived on Mashburn Rd. Jack lives in California and sends his condolences.

Frank Wilson

February 15, 2012

Frank Wilson, with fond memories.

Franklin & Martha Knapp

February 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, dear brother. You will be missed..

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