Franklin Dillard Fletcher was born January 23, 1949, in Madison, AL to Dillard Fletcher, Sr. and Eddie Lue Fletcher. He was the eldest of four children: Ann, Della, and Dillard, Jr. Frank, affectionately called “Snute,” represented the true essence of a model son and brother. Dillard, Sr. had some critical health issues before he died and Frank and his former wife, Alma Jean Bradley, took him into their home and cared for him. Additionally, Frank lived near his mother and made it one of his priorities to check on her constantly to verify she was okay and he did whatever he could to ensure she had everything she needed. He credited his late grandparents, Henry Rogers and Annie Polk Rogers, with playing a vital role in molding the man he eventually became. Their examples instilled in him the need to always help others, share your blessings, and protect and nurture family. Frank was generous to a fault. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his brother, Dillard, Jr.
HOME: Home, church, school, friends, and work dominated Frank’s life. Frank married Betty Davis Humphrey in 1994; they had no children together but they created memories and formed a blended unit with the families of his son, Cornelius “Ray” Moore; his daughter, Mellisa Moore; a “special daughter,” Fonda Russell, and Betty’s daughters: Antris Humphrey Green and Jana Jacobs. If you ever spent much time with him, Frank entertained you with stories about events and people he encountered in his life. With love and pride, Frank talked about his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren. You could always find him supporting them at various events.
Frank was a man God blessed with numerous gifts and talents. He did most of the work on the construction and renovation of his home and the building of an addition Betty calls “Frank’s Place.” He also tinkered with repairing and building cars. He had a love for classic cars and trucks. This is evidenced by the old vehicles parked in his yard and garages.
CHURCH: Years ago, Frank joined St. Elizabeth Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Madison, AL. He faithfully served the church under the leadership of four Pastors. As a member who firmly believed serving the church involved using your gifts, ministering to others, and building up the body of Christ, Frank was committed to preserving and improving the church; he was not a benchwarmer. He was an integral part of the construction of our old church and basically served as the project manager for the construction of the Sanctuary we currently have.
Frank took praising God seriously, but he also knew his commitment involved work and sacrifice. During his tenure at St. Elizabeth, he sang in the Male Chorus; served as Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent; attended Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, special programs, and events; taught Sunday School and Bible Study; actively participated in the Outreach Ministry; served as a counselor for Alabama Synod Youth Camp; represented the church as a delegate to the Huntsville Presbytery, Alabama Synod, and General Assembly. At each level of our Church governance, he served on various committees and seriously participated in the meetings.
If you were to read the minutes from different meetings, his name was there, indicating he was attentive and active as he made motions and gave comments. Simply stated, Frank loved St. Elizabeth and St. Elizabeth loved and appreciated him! He demonstrated that love through giving and sharing all his resources. Frank believed in God and he had faith in God’s Word. Through song, work, and prayer, Frank’s demeanor reflected his spirituality.
SCHOOL: Frank attended West Madison Elementary School through the ninth grade. From there he went to Councill Training High School in Huntsville, AL. Frank was quite popular throughout his life; high school was no exception. He graduated from Councill Training in the Class of 1968. Frank was so dependable that, each day, he actually drove the school bus that brought students from Madison to Huntsville. He was 16 years old! Thank God, they never had an accident. He showed he was a budding entrepreneur by purchasing candy bars and selling bites from a bar for 5-25 cents! The bar itself probably only cost 5-10 cents. He kept in touch with classmates and was a member of the Councill Training Alumni Association. He served as the chair of the Membership Committee and helped plan their various reunions and picnics. Frank also earned his Associate Degree in 1975 in Business Administration from Alverson-Draughon Business College, Huntsville, AL.
MILITARY: Following graduation Franklin joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam for two years, he received an Honorable Discharge. He was proud of his military status which did not come easy. Many of his health issues resulted from his tour in Vietnam. During his shopping and dining, he had no problem asking for his military discount. He wore his military shirts and hats on a regular basis! He was a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America and affiliated with VVA Chapter 1067.
WORK: Shortly after returning home, Frank was blessed to get employment with Amoco Chemicals, Decatur, AL. He worked there for 28 years followed by two years as a contractor with Graves & Phillips Engineering & Maintenance. During his employment, he was an Operation Foreman, Maintenance Coordinator, and Boiler Operator. Frank retired from Amoco in 2000. Frank also formed his own company, Fletcher Yard Maintenance & Small Repairs. He earned a reputation for his excellent work, dependability, and reasonable prices.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Frank served as Chairman of the Area 11 Community Action Group for over thirty years and still had the position at the time of his death. Frank was also a member of the City of Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee.
Frank did not attend Alabama A&M University but he was a true Bulldog. He was a life member of the Alabama A&M University Alumni Association, affiliated with the Huntsville-Madison County Chapter. Since the opening of the AAMU stadium, Frank worked, at no charge, in many capacities in the Alumni Skybox. Frank supported AAMU in most of its giving campaigns. He was certificated by at least three presidents for his service and dedication to AAMU. He also traveled with the AAMU Athletics Community Resource Group (ACRG) and attended all the away football games. Frank served as Vice President of the organization.
Franklin D. Fletcher leaves to cherish his memory and share his legacy, a loving, devoted wife, Betty D. Fletcher; one son, Cornelius “Ray” Moore (Tabitha); one daughter, Mellisa Moore; a “special daughter,” Fonda Russell (Warren); two stepdaughters: Antris Humphrey Green (Julian) and Jana Jacobs (Chad); two sisters: Della Miller and Ann Erskine (James); one stepsister, Evone Mason Emerson; two brothers-in-law, William M. Davis (Dorothy) and George Thomas Gates, Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Linda Davis and Darlene Chatmon; grandchildren: Denise Walton, Domaneice Moore; Ahjah Green, Jailyn Green, Julian Alexander Green, and Sloane Jacobs; great grandchildren: Kylan Moore, K’Dynce Young, Konnor Moore, and Kheringtyn Moore); one aunt, Florida Hammonds; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church members, and friends.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Saint Elizabeth Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (104 Perry Street, Madison, AL 35758) with Pastor Columbus Waddle officiating. Entombment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Elder Fletcher will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Fletcher family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages you to make a contribution to the Saint Elizabeth CPCA Building Fund in memory of Elder Franklin D. Fletcher.
