John Franklin ( Frank) Worthy Jr.'s Obituary
John Franklin (Frank) Worthy, Jr., age 77, of Austell, passed away on March 1,2013, at Tranquility Hospice Center after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, March 6, 2013 at Orange Hill Baptist Church in Austell with Rev. Grant Purdy officiating. He will lie in state at the church from 1:00 - 2:00 PM prior to the service. The burial will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on March 5, 2013 at Davis- Struempf Funeral Home, Austell.
Frank was born in Sumter County, Georgia, the son of the late John Franklin Worthy, Sr. and Jean Cordell Worthy. He was an honor graduate of Americus High School where he was the pitcher for their first State Championship team in 1953. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Math and Physical Education from Mercer University in 1957, his Masters Degree in Education from Auburn University in 1962, and his Masters degree in Administration from West Georgia College in 1974. Frank spent 18 years at South Cobb High School teaching math and physical education. He was also the head football and baseball coach, as well as Athletic Director. As head football coach at South Cobb from 1962-1976, he became the Eagles’ winningest coach and led the team to two of their three regional championships. He was named Coach of the Year four times during his career. He served as Assistant Principal at South Cobb High School; (1976-78), Wills High School (1978-1989,) and Campbell High School from 1989 until he retired in 1991 after 34 years in education. In January 2013, Frank was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame in honor of his outstanding baseball career. He was a member of Orange Hill Baptist Church.
Frank was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. Frank loved spending time on the lake with his sons, grandchildren and many fishing buddies. He loved his family and spent countless hours teaching his sons, grandchildren many sports, including hunting and fishing. He was a very proud grandfather and loved watching his grandchildren play baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. He had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest. He was beloved by his former players, athletes, and students, many whom he kept in touch throughout their lives. Many of his former baseball and football players went on to become successful coaches.
Frank is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Dee Howell Worthy, son Johnny Worthy and wife Angie of Austell, son Brad Worthy and wife Nancy of Winston, grandchildren Katie, Cody, Haley, and Michael Worthy, and Sister Betty Worthy of Americus.
Arrangements are entrusted to Davis- Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory, Austell. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the Worthy family, please visit us online at www.davisstruempf.com
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