Roy Franklin “Frank” Whitt was born on February 25, 1952, the oldest child of Kenneth and Malinda Whitt. He was always a hardworking but fun person, ready to lend a hand to all who knew him.

The people in his community were very important to him, especially his family and his church family. He was married for 52 years to his wife, Carolyn, and they had two children, Roy and Rita; six grandchildren, Sarah, Rebekah, Kiley, Carver, Braley, and Kegan; along with many other family members who he loved dearly.

He really came into his own when he retired from his career as a heavy equipment operator. He became a full-time farmer and a volunteer firefighter with the Route 504 Volunteer Fire Department in Elliott County, Kentucky. Through the fire department, he was able to do more to get out and about to help others. He was always available to be called out to assist people in need. Hanging out with his fellow firefighters made him happy, and it made him proud to be part of such a great crew of heroes.

After his death, his family really found out how many lives he touched, not only as a firefighter, but as a Christian and good neighbor. If he knew someone couldn’t get out of the house due to illness or injury, Frank would stop for a visit and bring them in supplies if they needed them. He loved to grow a large garden every year so he could give away the vegetables to his neighbors and family.

Frank made his last call on March 12, 2024, while driving a fire truck in a convoy of fire trucks that was going to escort an EMT who had died unexpectedly from the hospital to the funeral home. The truck dropped off the pavement, and when he corrected, he saw that he was about to hit a car on the other side of the road. He jerked back the other way so he would not injure the girl driving the other car. He lost control and went over an embankment and down to a lake. The girl told everyone that he saved her life. He died the way he lived, helping someone.

Frank Whitt was a hero who will not be forgotten by his family and his community.