Henry Franklin 'Frank' Reeves

Henry Franklin "Frank" Reeves died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 16 at the age of 67. Frank was born in Pulaski, TN on January 12, 1948, the son of Dewey and Lota Mae (Phillips) Reeves. He grew up in the Cincinnati, Ohio area but spent many happy summers with Grandma and Grandpa Phillips on the family farm in Lawrenceburg, TN. In high school, he worked for Miss Martha at her convenience store. He attributed his work ethic to that experience and her influence. After graduation in 1966, Frank traveled the country on his Harley until Uncle Sam caught up with him. He enlisted in the Navy in 1968, becoming part of the U.S. Navy Submarine force as an IC-man (Interior Communications). He was stationed at the submarine base in Groton, CT and served aboard the U.S.S. Ethan Allen and U.S.S. Dace. After a brief stint in the private sector, he re-upped, joining the TARS program, stationed in Newport, RI. Frank used his G.I. bill to attend college, ultimately earning a Bachelor's degree in general studies at the University of Connecticut. He worked as an educational media associate for the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in West Hartford, retiring in December 2013. During his Navy years Frank often said, "I want to go to sea, have my wife with me, and not have to stand watch." He fulfilled that dream many times over, cruising with Dale to numerous Caribbean islands, Mexico, Panama, and Canadian maritime ports. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dale J. (Coppola) of Manchester; son James, daughter-in-law Tiffany, and grandson Daniel Reevior of Medford, MA; daughter Shannah of Waterbury; granddaughter Kaitlin Gee; great-grandson Ryan Gouger; and mother-in-law/best friend Evelyn (Coppola) Reynolds. He is predeceased by his father-in-law Eugene E. Coppola and darling granddaughter Johannah Rose Reeves. A private family celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at www.nmcrs.org . To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinasfuneralhomes.com .