Frank Breckenridge Chumley

Frank Breckenridge Chumley, 77
Crestwood
Frank Breckenridge Chumley, beloved husband and father, passed away on June 28, 2022. He was 77 years old.
Frank graduated from University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree and from the University of Louisville with a master's degree.
He volunteered for service in United States Navy from 1968-1970. He was a proud Navy veteran who regarded his years of service as the most important of his life. As he would say, "the Navy is where I finally grew up".
Frank's own disappointing early school experiences inspired him to become a life-long educator whose commitment was, "It's all about the kids". He began his career at Kentucky Country Day School as Director of Development.
Frank moved on to teach English at Holy Cross High School in 1984, became Assistant Principal in 1986 and was promoted to Principal in 1987. His decision to personally visit the Catholic Middle Schools in the district resulted in a major increase in Holy Cross's freshman enrollment the next year. Under his leadership Holy Cross also received $50,000 from the Owen Badgett Self Esteem Program.
After eight years the long commute to Holy Cross took its toll. Frank applied for, and was hired, as an Associate Principal at South Oldham High School. His desire to be part of the community where he worked resulted in him building a home in Oldham County.
When Joe McWilliams, South's first principal retired, Frank was promoted to principal. He also graduated from Leadership Oldham County, a program of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce. In 1998, Frank was named Principal of the year- Region 8- by the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Principals.
Thanks to many who came before them, and the hard work and preparation of the current faculty, staff and student body, South Oldham High School was awarded the high honor from the U.S. Department of Education a National Blue Ribbon School 1997-1998 school year. And as such, joined the other highest achieving schools in the country.
Frank retired from South Oldham High School in the spring of 1998 when his wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As he said, "My wife deserves a full-time husband and South Oldham needs a full-time principal. I can't do both, and my choice is easy".
After retirement, during one summer in Rhode Island Frank heard about a situation at North Oldham High School, and he called Superintendent Blake Haselton to ask how he could help. The result was a position for Frank as NOHS Transition Coordinator, special assistant to the Superintendent. Briefly back to Kentucky!
Eventually the yearly commuting from Florida to Rhode Island became to taxing, the Chumley's decided to return to Kentucky. Frank quickly became involved in the community again. He joined the South Oldham Rotary and received its Community Service Award (2013-2014). Frank also became a very active member of the OC YMCA- serving as chairman of the Board. He was awarded the 2013 Volunteer of the year.
Sadly, Frank was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017.
He was able to live at home as long as he did thanks to his caregiver and good friend Jessica with whom he shard many "adventures". He was also blessed with the uncanny ability of his dear friend Joe McWilliams who somehow knew to show up at just the right time.
Heartfelt Thanks to the staff of the Oldham County YMCA who treated him with such kindness and dignity while he was able to continue his life-long love of swimming.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at South Oldham High School in the cafeteria from 3 to 5 p.m. The family requests no flowers or gifts. If you would like to donate to a charity of your choice in honor of Frank, please do so.
A family graveside service is planned later. Interment will be at Riverbend, Westerly, Rhode Island.
Frank is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Laurie, of over forty years; his son, Dr. Frank Breckenridge Chumley Jr.; his daughter, Amy Chumley; three grandchildren; one great grandson; his brother, John Chumley; his sister, Nancy Lotspeich; as well as three sister in-laws and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
"Joy comes easier the more often
one is Joyous."