Frank Proffit, Jr. passes
sawye...@usa.net
Jr. passed away from a heart attack this week. Frank Proffitt, Jr. was
a banjo player, duclimer player, and storyteller who continued the
traditions of his extended families, including the Proffitt family of
his father, Frank Proffitt, Sr. and the Hicks family of his mother,
Bessie Mae Hicks, a sister to renowned Jack Tales teller Ray Hicks and
the daughter of Nathan Hicks.
Frank was a humble man, very laid back, and receptive to the many
folklorists and researchers who approached him for information on his
family and the traditions they helped to maintain. Frank was trying to
encourage his grandchildren to take an interest in the family
traditions, but at that time they were showing little interest in
learning the dulcimer or banjo. The dulcimer and banjo world has lost
one of its finest ambassadors. May Frank rest in peace with those he
loved and admired. He's most likely sitting in heaven right now playing
the old tunes, singing the old ballads, and telling the old tales with
his father and mother, his grandparents, and other members of the
extended family.
Nancy M
which I was just now getting around to reading this morning.
Unfortunately, it didn't come to my house till Thursday morning, so I
couldn't have made the funeral anyway. I met Frank several times over
the last ten years, and got to hear him play a time or two. He also
worked at the University in building services. However, the obituary
mentions what's important.
Stay well,
Nancy M
(from the Watauga Democrat)
Frank Benjamin Proffitt
Mr. Frank Benjamin Proffitt, 56, of Meat Camp Road, Todd, died Sunday
evening, Aug. 7, 2005, at home.
Born in Watauga County Sept. 8, 1946, he was a son of the late Frank
Noah and Bessie Mae Hicks Proffitt. Mr. Proffitt was an accomplished
musician, playing the banjo, guitar and dulcimer. Frank played
throughout North Carolina with the Visiting Artists Program.
Surviving are his wife, Sue Nell Potter Proffitt; one son, Jimmy
Proffitt and wife, Jackie, of Newland; four grandchildren, Ashley
Proffitt, Chase South, and Benjamin and Sidney Proffitt; three
brothers, Ed Proffitt and wife, Paulette, of Vilas, Oliver Proffitt and
wife, Rita, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gerald Proffitt and wife,
Joyce, of Granite Falls; and one sister, Phillis Guy and husband, J.D.,
of Trap Hill, N.C.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Timmy
Proffitt, and one brother, Dr. Ronald Proffitt.
Services will be conducted Wednesday evening at 8 at Austin & Barnes
Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Phipps.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening prior to the service
from 6 until 8 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
Grave side services and burial will be conducted Thursday afternoon at
2 at the Millsaps Cemetery.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Proffitt family