Frank Edward Waldrop III, lovingly known as “Frankie,” passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with metastatic cancer. Though his passing happened very quickly, he was not alone. Frankie was born on July 15, 1964, in Fort Pierce, Florida, to Bonnie Jean (Black) Waldrop and Frank Edward Waldrop Jr. As the oldest of five siblings, he embraced the role as a lifelong job description: protector, boss, storyteller, and unofficial family historian. He could often be found sitting around the table reading the Bible, sharing his opinions, offering advice, and telling everyone what to do. He grew up enjoying the Florida beaches and the outdoors he loved so much. His siblings fondly remember fishing at the jetties, building forts and treehouses in the woods, horseback riding in Stuart, Florida, backyard campouts, countless hours spent in the swimming pool, and long days at the park for football and soccer practice. At 19 years old, Frank joined the United States Army, where he proudly served as a paratrooper. Later, he fished the waters off the Louisiana coast as a commercial fisherman. His brothers and sisters often described him as the “Marlboro Man”—all flannel and blue jeans, with the occasional beach vibe. Frank was intelligent, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal. He was an avid reader with a love of history and the Bible. He never passed up an opportunity for a good debate about religion, politics, or any topic someone was willing to discuss. He was quick with a joke, quicker with a comeback or insult, and well known for his gruff exterior. His bark was always worse than his bite, and we often teased him about being a grumpy old man. Those who knew Frank understood that what you saw was what you got. He could be stubborn, opinionated, and rough around the edges. He didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts or hand out affection easily, yet the people he loved never had to question where they stood with him. He loved and protected those he cared about in the only way he knew how-fiercly. Frank is survived by his father, Frank Edward Waldrop Jr.; his children, Kathleen, Joshua, and Franchesca; his grandchildren, Amaya, Liam, Rissa, AnnaLiza, and Grayson; and his great-grandchildren, Konstance and Mercy. He is also survived by his brother, Ira Waldrop (Donna); his sisters, Tammy Bruno (Button) and Lisa Abouomar (Omar); and 17 nieces and nephews, including Desiree, Michael, Troy and Remy, who he helped raised. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Jean Martin; his stepfather, Marvin Lee Martin; his beloved wife, Anna Liza Waldrop; his brother, Michael Martin; his sister, Bonnie Lee Martin; his nephew, Terrick Abouomar, and Turner, his faithful dog of 18 years. Frankie will be remembered for his fierce love, steadfast loyalty, sharp wit, and unwavering authenticity. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the memories he gave us, the stories we’ll continue to tell, and the enduring mark he left on those who knew and loved him. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Celebration Church, 7500 W. Judge Perez Drive, Arabi, LA, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 12 p.m. A luncheon honoring Frank will be held following the memorial service at 4 Southcreek Lane, Violet.