Frank T. Ellis

Frank T. Ellis, 67, of Summerville, SC formerly of Franklin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 27, 2018.

Born in Franklin on February 24, 1951 he was a son of the late Edward Dale and Antoinette Marie Leta Ellis.

Frank graduated from Franklin High School in 1969. He proudly served his country In the United States Army Reserves and trained at Ford Ord in Monterey, CA.

Frank worked for the News Herald as a photographer and journalist. He also wrote a weekly golf column titled "Shank Along with Frank." Frank then began a career in the steel industry, spending 20 years with Franklin Steel and then with SMI Steel in Columbia, SC.

Above everything, Frank was a beloved son, brother, father and friend to so many people of all ages. He loved life and spending time with his family and friends. His ability to tell stories and make those around him laugh was unparalleled. His charismatic personality always helped make people smile. Frank's heart always had room for one more friend.

Frank was Franklin's "Man of the Year" in 1972 and was a member of Franklin Elk's Lodge #110. Frank was also an avid golfer and had a passion for the game. One of his favorite courses was Pebble Beach. He often talked about the time he followed Dean Martin during play of the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am while stationed at nearby Fort Ord.

He was of Catholic Faith and a member of St. Patrick Church.

His love of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack was well known and people knew him everywhere, many times by his nickname and stage name "Champagne Frank."

Frank was an impressive Dean Martin impersonator and could be found at any time singing his favorite Dean Martin tunes including, That's Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, When Your Smiling, and so many more. Frank was able to help raise thousands of dollars for charity including the American Cancer Society and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

He is survived by, his former wife Mary Kay Ellis; three children, Christine Sullivan (Vince) and their daughter Clare of Greenville SC, Thomas Ellis (Amy) and their children Brendan, Caitlin, and Bridget of Milton MA, Angelena Ellis and her daughter Kayla of Greenville, SC; four siblings, Edward Dale Ellis II (Wendy) of North Chesterfield VA, James Ellis of Franklin PA, his sister Mary Eakin (Steve) of Altavista VA and William Ellis of Franklin PA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff - Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 1, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 2, 2018 in St. Patrick Church with Monsignor John J. Herbein, officiating.

Interment with full military honors rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, or to the First Tee of Charleston, SC.

Online condolences and flowers may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.