Frank Cairns Jr.

I was Frank's teammate on the "Banana Splits, the touch football team that Frank and I played on from the late 60 til the mid-to-late 70s, winning several city championships. Out starting backfield did indeed play for the Falcons--Jerry Richardson, Buddy Hudlow and Mike Freeman. In addition, several other teammates were ex-pros. Frank's accuracy at QB led us from victory to victory. I can't think of more than a couple of losses we had over those years. Frank was always the mature, no-nonsense...

I have had many friends growing up, in college and as I went through my career but I count Frank as one of my closest. We were Kappa Sigma pledges (later members) together at Alabama. He was in my wedding and came to my fiftieth wedding anniversary here in Texas. We maintained contact over the years including my investing in the market. Frank was the most pragmatic person I ever knew.

Frank was a true friend and a passionate Bama fan. I won a lighted sign at a sports bar and passed it along to Frank for his Alabama Room. Our breakfast group that meets on the weekends at the Waffle House will really miss his company! I called Frank our miracle man because he survived an illness years ago and was able to play tennis again.

I knew Frank as the father of my wonderful friend Beth, and I'm eternally grateful to him for raising her to be strong, sharp and hilarious like him. His twinkling smile will never be forgotten, but I know his passing leaves a gap that no one else can fill. Much love to Nelda and Beth, and to all of his family, near and far.