FRANK WHIPKEY

1949-2021

Frank Whipkey died on May 28, 2021. Visitation will be at Rayville Presbyterian Church from 9:30-10:30 am on May 31, followed by services at 10:30am. Graveside services for family will be at 2:30pm at Atkins Family Cemetery in Athens, LA.

Frank was born on March 6, 1949 in Passaic, NJ, the son of Agnes Schukis. He was the oldest of 4 children: Linda, Jennifer, and Paul. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Lou Cochran Bird of Rayville, LA; stepson, Lee Bird of Austin, TX; aunt Ann Ford and cousin Cornelius Ford of San Clemente, CA; and his siblings.

Frank worked for 26 years as a licensed chemical dependency counselor, leading groups and helping many individuals achieve sobriety. He worked in Houston at Sam Houston Memorial Hospital, Complete Treatment, and TRS Behavioral Care, as well as Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center in Rayville, LA.

He was well known for his vegetable gardens, growing produce primarily to share with others. He was happiest outside with his garden and flowers, watching the birds and squirrels in his own backyard. Frank also loved rock and roll; he even attended Woodstock and could rock his own guitar. Some of his best memories were made fishing in the Gulf and sailing on his aunt’s boat.

Having been born in NJ, he left the north behind in a snowstorm and fully embraced all things about living in the South. He could spend hours sitting in his backyard with his cats.

Frank was a gentle man with a big heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Atkins Family Cemetery in Athens, LA.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhomes.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home Rayville, LA