Frank F. Venable Jr.

1937 - 2021

Frank F Venable, Jr

Knoxville - Frank F. Venable, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, January 1, 2021. Frank was born on March 23, 1937 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a graduate of West High School and University of Tennessee, majoring in Finance and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, later obtaining the title of "Lifelong Loyal Sig" for his dedication to Sigma Chi as an alumni brother. At UT, Frank enrolled in Army ROTC, and upon graduation, was commissioned into the Army as a Second Lieutenant. Frank served his country as an active duty officer, and following his tour of duty, he served in the National Guard and retired at the rank of Captain. Returning from military service, Frank launched his professional career at J.C. Bradford and Company. At Bradford, Frank was a successful securities broker from 1961-1976, and then promoted to Sales Manager from 1976-1981, and promoted once again to Regional Manager in 1982. Frank's zeal and leadership at Bradford resulted in an expanded role as General Partner in charge of the Knoxville office. After 28 years of overseeing and growing the Knoxville office, Frank's final promotion at Bradford came in the form of Partner in Charge of Sales and Branch Administration, which required relocation to Nashville. During this time, Frank oversaw more than 400 brokers and 52 branches. Upon retirement from the financial services industry, Frank became a full-time fly fisherman, the job he had pursued for a lifetime. At this time, Frank and wife Jane moved to Tellico Village, where Frank served as volunteer Financial Director for the benefit of the Village and its numerous residents. Frank's free time was dedicated to extensive travels with Jane, spending time with his extended family, and sneaking in some fishing with his sons. Frank was profoundly committed to the Knoxville community. He served as President of the Knoxville Executives Club, and was a founding member of the West Knoxville Jaycees. Further, Frank was an active member of the Knoxville Downtown Rotary Club, a member of the Elks Club, a member of the Board of Directors of the Dulin Gallery of Art, and part of the first wave of membership into Club LeConte. Frank was an ardent supporter of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and very involved in many of their activities. Frank was a member of the Dean's Circle of The University of Tennessee, where he supported the College of Business both financially and personally as a guest speaker at the school. Faith and service were deeply important to Frank, as he was an active member of the Church of the Ascension, and there he volunteered his time and skills to numerous roles including serving in the Vestry and as a Junior Warden. Frank's energy was boundless, and he loved sports and athletics. He is fondly remembered as a little league baseball coach in the Rocky Hill area for six years. Also, Frank kept the clock at University of Tennessee basketball games, where he sat at the officials' table.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank F. Venable, Sr. and Mary Belle Venable. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Hartman Venable; his daughter Jennifer Venable Austin and Susan Allen, his son Frank F. Venable, III and Lisha, and his son Andrew Julian Venable and Deonna; grandchildren Rebecca Abigail Austin Guadagnoli and Justin, Carl Hartman Austin, Blake Ryan Venable, Nathan Hunter Venable and Kendall, Sarah Catherine Venable, Daly Elaine Venable and Drew Elise Venable; step grandchildren Ashley Austin Parsons, Hannah Allen and Nathaniel; and great grandchildren Noah Venable, Milo Venable and Nola Parsons.

Memorials may be made in Frank's memory to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at www.knoxvillesymphony.com or KSO, P.O. Box 360, Knoxville, TN 37901.