Frank Hayden Hess, Jr.

Frank Hayden Hess, Jr., 90, of Bluffton, SC, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2015. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bluffton, a believer in Jesus Christ, and looked forward to his entrance into the Heavenly Kingdom when the time arrived. Frank was born in West Helena, Arkansas, on December 19, 1924, to his late parents, Frank Hayden Hess and Ethel Gladys McCracken Hess. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorinda June Brown Hess, his five sisters and their husbands, and several close family members. He is survived by Son, Frank Hayden Hess, III and his wife Kae, of Rogers, Arkansas; Daughter, Pamela "P.J." June Hess Peluso and her husband, Peter, of Bluffton, South Carolina; Daughter, Barbara Virginia Hess Auchter and her husband, Thorne, of Big Canoe, Georgia; Son, Gary Priestly Hess and his wife Jill, of Cumming, Georgia; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews and extended family, all of whom loved him dearly. Frank was raised in Holly Grove, Arkansas, where he graduated high school; later attending Mississippi State University. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. Two of those years were spent aboard a fuel tanker. He said being shot at by the enemy while sitting on so much fuel caused much angst among the sailors and, as a result, his entire unit became very good at their jobs! While stationed in New Orleans, Frank met and married his wife, who was also serving in the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the Navy and schooling, he worked for many years in sales and marketing; serving the paint and home furnishings industries. After helping pick out the right house, he moved from Northern Virginia to Riverbend of Bluffton in 2000 with his daughter and son-in-law where (with his gift of gab, wit, and charm) he thoroughly enjoyed a temporary job entertaining the residents as a security guard. In addition, he spent many hours playing pool in the "billiards activity room" at Sun City; being referred to as "Frank the Bank." He was a crossword puzzle master, an avid karaoke singer, enjoyed reading, playing games on his computer, bingo, and card playing. He lived his last few years as an independent resident of Bloom of Belfair where he met many special friends. He was a snazzy dresser, loved to joke with the men and flirt with the ladies, and was a true "southern gentleman". He was quite fond of the staff and enjoyed participating in many activities there, especially playing cards with his friend, Bob, and spending his spare time with his best friend and lady love, Marie. In lieu of flowers, it was his wish that donations be made to "Homes for our Troops". Blooms hosted a lovely "Celebration of Life" for Frank at their facility. A memorial celebration for Frank will be held in early 2016 in Holly Grove, Arkansas, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, June. A memorial celebration for Frank will be held in early 2016 in Holly Grove, Arkansas, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, June.