Albert F. “Frankie” Walther, Sr., 77, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens at Waterlick. There will be a celebration of Frankie’s life following the interment.
Frank was born May 7, 1944 at Remount in Warren County son of the late Jesse and Virginia Walther.
He was a farrier for over 60 years. He shod for several large farms in Loudoun and Fauquier counties including Springhill Farm, Buckland Farm, Blue Ridge Farm and White Oaks Farm. Some of his accomplishments include shoeing Secretariat as a yearling and Pleasant Colony through his triple crown bid. In his later years he had a horse shipped to Virginia from the owner of Secretariat to shoe and correct. He shod for several clients which included Washington Mill Co., Domino sugar, Thomas English Muffins, Mars candy bar and Busch beer to name a few. He worked the Warrenton Horse Show and was a farrier for several Steeplechase races over the years. Frank enjoyed being with his grandchildren, fishing, hunting, cooking and telling stories to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years Alice M. Walther; two children Frank “Dootz” Walther, Jr. and wife Teresa and Tracy Clatterbuck and husband Craig; siblings Lewin “Bo” Walther, William Walther and Judy Jenkins; four grandchildren Jessica and Hannah Walther, Chance and Taylor Clatterbuck; three step-grandchildren Josh, Shane and Tommi Michael; and several nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by a sister Virginia Edwards.
Pallbearers will be Gary “Clerb” Clark, Gary Pancione, Nick Pancione, Stephen Mudery, Johnny Jenkins and Jan Salvato.
Honorary pallbearers will be Wade McGhee, Ronnie Bell, Duane Lawson and Galen Ellison.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 15 from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
One great man Frank you’ll be deeply miss.Will miss are talks for sure RIP my friend so glad to call you my friend.
I’m sorry to hear this news. Frankie was a wonderful person and always had a great story to tell. I had the pleasure of knowing him through 2 different farms I worked for and he was the best at what he did. He could fix any horse, especially the yearlings. He was always happy and smiling. What a good person to know. I have moved away but think fondly of him often. I know he will be missed by many and prayers to the family. I am honored to call him friend
He is one great person billy Wright work with him at buck land farm and has been friends for a long time. Also love his with wife sorry to see him go.my prayers are with you and your family
I am so so sorry to hear this news Alice our hearts hurt with you. Frank was an amazing person who always made me smile. I remember our weekends camping by the river, we are thinking of you and praying for you all. so much love
Jamie and Wayne Wright
Prayers to the Family -Thinking of you all
Mary Kibler and family
Alice I’m so very sorry for your loss, we know that Frank is without pain now, continue prayers to you and your family. If you need anything at all I’m hear, we can meet for coffee sometime, anything. Love you and your family.
Frankie was one of the first people I met when I moved to Warrenton and has been a great friend every since. He was possibly the kindest man I ever met. I always enjoy his and his wife Alice’s company and I will truly miss him. Rest In Peace my friend, you’ve earned it.
One if the world’s best farriers, storytellers, friend and incredibly good, gentle man. On to greener pastures. RIP Frank. You will be very much missed.