More detail on this person: My father, Grady
Frank Webster, Ret Lt. Col US Army has passed
away March 24, 2011. He was 78 years old and will
be missed. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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Pilot, helicopter pilot, mechanic, and officer, he
did it all. Graduate of Georgia Tech in 1955, he
played for the 1952 National Champion Yellow
Jackets.
Decorated Aviator, received the Distinguished
Flying Cross for action in Viet Nam. Two tours to
Nam and one to Korea (in the late 1950's).
We were stationed at Ft. Eustis in the late
1960's.
Dad liked the TCAA and was proud of his
service.
From: Wade Webster
Lt. Col. Grady Frank Webster , age 78 , of Harbor
Club, Lake Oconee , GA., died March 24, 2011.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 29,
2011, at 2:00 P.M. , at St. Simon's Episcopal
Church at 1522 Highway 138 NE. Conyers, GA
30013, with Father Dan Crockett officiating.
Inurnment will follow at the Church Cemetery.
A native of Fulton County, Lt. Col Webster retired
from the US Army. He is survived by his three
children Lee Ann Bryant, Wade Franklin Webster,
and Melissa Elizabeth Blanc, and their spouses
Harry Bryant Jr., Kelly Webster, and Stephen
Blanc. Also surviving are his grandchildren,
Ashlyn Youngblood, Harrison Bryant, Dana
Webster, Erik Webster, and Christopher Kelly. He
is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Clary
Webster on November 9, 1996.
The family will receive friends Monday March 28,
2011, from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial
contributions may be made to: The National
Parkinson Foundation or a charity of your choice.
. Condolences may be offered at
www.horisawardrockdalechapel.com. Horis A. Ward
Funeral Home, Rockdale Chapel, (770) 918-8851.
Everyone's life is the sum total of all of the
people they have met, the things they have done,
the places they have gone. Lt. Col ( RET ) Grady
Frank Webster was no exception. He was a loved
one, a friend, and someone special. To family and
friends who knew him best, Frank will be
remembered as a very exceptional person.
Frank's life journey began on November 9, 1932.
He first greeted the world in Atlanta, Ga. His
parents' names were Grady and Luella Webster.
He grew up in Atlanta, Ga. Growing up for Frank
was an involving experience. It allowed him to
learn and grow and create all kinds of memories.
As a young boy, Frank had a number of interests.
He was curious about the world around him and
was often eager to explore it. He had the dream of
being a pilot, flying airplanes and jets. He
excelled in all sports and set the Georgia State
Discus record in 1950 which remained unbroken for
over 25 years. Frank also was a member of the
American Legion baseball championship team of
1948/1949. This baseball team traveled to Omaha,
NE and were the "unbeatable" team from Georgia.
He attended Roosevelt High School and was a
football, basketball and track star. He was
outgoing and enjoyed his time at Roosevelt. He
graduated in 1951 and accepted a scholarship at
The Georgia Institute of Technology.
He met and married Eleanor Clary from East Lake,
GA and Murphy High School. Falling in love is a
huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that
you have met that special someone is a magical
feeling. Frank exchanged wedding vows with Ellie
on December 19, 1953. St. Timothy Episcopal
Church in Atlanta, GA.
While at Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jacket football
team was a national power and Frank was a big
part of it. He was "one of the Dodd boys" and
played during the Golden Tornado reign at tight
end and defensive end. Frank was part of the great
1952 Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket National
Championship Team of 1952. Go Jackets! "Frank
Webster" is boldly on the National Champion
Plaque at the Edge Building outside of Bobby Dodd
Stadium. The Yellow Jackets won all four bowl
games during Frank's football days at Tech.
Frank graduated Georgia Tech in 1955 and through
his ROTC work at Tech, went into the Air Force to
begin flying fixed wing aircraft. Because of his
sheer size (6'4", 225 lbs) it became evident that
jets were not going to work and Frank was soon
promoted over to the Army and began working,
designing and flying helicopters. So began the
travels of the army officer and his family.
Frank was blessed with three children, Lee Ann,
Wade and Melissa. Melissa was a pleasant
surprise joining the family 11 years after Wade.
This kept both Frank and Ellie young. The family
traveled to many locations during Frank's military
career including Germany, France, Italy, England
and Austria. Frank also worked directly for Gen.
George S. Patton II in Fuerth, Germany.
Frank was also a highly decorated war veteran
serving in combat during three tours of duty.
Helicopter pilots were in constant danger and
Frank received 5 Bronze Stars and was awarded
the highest honor for Aviators, The Distinguished
Flying Cross for service in Viet Nam. Frank
retired at the age of 47 from the U.S. Army
serving 25 years for his country. Lt. Col. Frank
Webster was now moving back to Atlanta, Georgia
to begin rebuilding the family farm in Lithonia.
Frank and Ellie built their "forever" home at
their farm " Fort Webster" and enjoyed life
together. Later on, Frank was blessed with the
gift of 5 grandchildren, Ashlyn, Harrison, Dana,
Erik, and Christopher.
Frank loved his family and friends