Frank Dewayne Gatlin

Frank D. Gatlin, 86, of Paragould departed this life on Friday, March 17, 2017.  He was born February 18, 1931, in Paragould to Jack and Gretchen Gatlin.  Frank graduated from Stanford High School in 1949.  He then served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  After returning home, he decided to pursue his education at Harding University.  There he met the love of his life, Joy Womack.  They married December 27, 1956.  After moving back to Paragould, Frank worked at Arrow Auto Parts.  He then decided it would be better to own his own business.  He proudly opened Frank’s Auto Parts in 1958 where he worked until the Lord called him home.  Frank and Joy had two children, Mike and Jana.  Above all, Frank was absolutely devoted to his wife and family.  He was a father who always involved himself in every aspect of his children’s lives and supported, respected and loved his wife unconditionally.  Frank was well known and respected in the local community.  He served 23 years on the Paragould City Council.  Frank always listened to people, never left anyone out, and had a real passion for serving the Lord.  He attended Hillcrest Church of Christ for 31 years where he served as an elder for many years.  He was a caring and compassionate person who always put the needs of others above his own.  Frank never took for granted the simple things in life like family get togethers, playing golf, socializing with close friends, and church activities.  He loved God, his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that awaits him.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Joy Gatlin, of the home; son and daughter in law, Mike and Patsy Gatlin, of Paragould; daughter and son in law, Jana and Terry Jetton, of Paragould; grandchildren, Matthew Gatlin (Adrienne McNally) of Little Rock, Rebecca (Caleb) Henry, of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Whitney (J.J.) Blankenship, of Paragould, Gretchen (Tanner) Smith, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Rachel Jetton (Chase McLean), of Jackson, Tennessee; great grandchildren, Ethan and Levi Henry, of Harrisburg, Arkansas, Zoe and Burkley Blankenship, of Paragould; siblings, Jerry (Betty) Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, Harvey (Millie) Gatlin, all of Paragould, and Beverly (Jerry) Midyett, of Memphis, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews that all loved him very dearly.

The family will receive friends to celebrate and honor Frank’s life Sunday, March 19, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with Michael Meredith and Gary Cremeens officiating.  Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.  

Lasting memorials may be made to Crowley’s Ridge Academy and The Children’s Homes, Inc.

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