In the early morning hours of June 4, 2017, Frank Pope “Buddy” Venable passed away at his home in Warren County. He was 87.

Born on September 30, 1929, in Front Royal to the late Frank P. Venable and Edith V. (Haley) Venable Nicewarner, Frank was the second oldest of five children. He became a corporal in the Army of the United States in November, 1951, serving in Korea, and received Honorable Discharge in November, 1959. He worked as a union electrician for years before starting his own excavating business. He was a member of the IBEW for more than 60 years.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lucy Lee Venable, stepfather Robert Nicewarner, sisters Edith Mae Shurling and Dorothy Martin, and nephew Jimmy Martin.

Surviving are his son Frank L. Venable and wife, Joanne; daughter Lisa K. Venable and partner David Fannon; grandchildren Kristie Michael and husband Cory, Chanda Venable, Frank Venable and wife Diana, and Kaylee Venable; great-grandchildren Brody Michael, Zayden Ankers, Alayna Michael, and Zander Venable; step great-grandchildren Alfredo and Ashley Figueroa; sisters Phyllis Presley and Carolyn Settle; his faithful companions Daisy and Tria, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Frank was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life and loved nothing more than fishing, hunting, and riding his ATV or one of his Willy’s Jeeps around his land to watch the wildlife. He liked to take a boat out on the Shenandoah River, or simply sit for hours along her banks at his river lot. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and would tell the younger generations fantastic stories; the “Big Mac attacks” that he would have while deployed in Korea, or his tale of the Vampire Tree and the mischievous “Vamp” that lived within on the outskirts of his land.

While a private memorial service will be held at a later date, in remembrance of Frank “Buddy” Venable, go outside and enjoy the mountains and the river, spend time with your family, your friends, and nature.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, as we are so thankful for their care and support.