Mr. Franklin Rufus "Frank" Whitmire, 81, of Bowman GA, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on February 22, 1942 in Royston GA, he was the son of the late Rufus Sevoine Whitmire and Dora Mize Whitmire.  Mr. Whitmire was retired owner/operator of Frank Whitmire Backhoe Service and a retired School Bus Driver for the Hart County School System. He was a Farmer, loved Basketball & Baseball and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  Mr. Whitmire was a former Deacon, SS teacher, RA Leader and was currently a member of The Way Church.  He also was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife: Billie Slagle Whitmire; a son: Keith Whitmire (Beth) of Bowman; two daughters: Tonya Porterfield (Matt) of Comer and April Pearson (Josh) of Bowman; a brother: Alvin Whitmire (Susan) of Bowman a sister: Rosetta W. Hall (Don) of Carrollton GA; eleven grandchildren: Jacob Whitmire (Katie), Eric Whitmire, Kara Whitmire, Nathan Porterfield, Andrew Porterfield, Brooke Porterfield, Rhiannon Pearson, Josiah Pearson, Rebecca Pearson, Selah Pearson and Judah Pearson; a great-granddaughter: Elliot Kate Whitmire also survives.  Mr. Whitmire was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Perry Whitmire and a sister: Allene W. Cleveland.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 14, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.  Other times the family will be at the home.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Mr. Frank Whitmire will be held Monday, August 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. Riley Shelton and Rev. Rick Slagle officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope For The World – India, PO Box 835, Hartwell GA 30643

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.