Franklin D. Christian

Franklin D. Christian Sr. age 84 of Buhl, AL, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021. Services for Mr. Christian will be Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Buhl Church of God with Rev. David Kelly officiating. Burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. service time at the church. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing. Mr. Christian was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Jackson and Esther Snyder Christian; brothers, Clarence Christian, Raymond Christian, Bill Christian, J.R. Christian, and L.R. Christian; and sisters, Agnes Snyder and Marie Henderson. He is survived by his wife, Pauline Jacobs Christian; his sons, Franklin D Christian Jr., Howard Jackson Christian (Ragan) and Charles Ward Christian (Tammy); and his grandchildren, Cody Christian, Tyler Christian, Clay Christian, Kaitlin Christian, Colt Christian, Savannah Christian. Frank was a 1955 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball before attending and graduating from the University of Alabama College of Business and Commerce in 1960. Following graduation, he worked for Arthur Young Accounting and then Melpar, prior to beginning his lifelong career with General Motors Inc. – Motors Holding Division, where he worked for almost 30 years. In his career with General Motors, Frank lived in numerous places due to promotions which included Atlanta, GA, Ridgewood, NJ, Houston, TX, Great Falls, VA, and Cincinnati, OH. Frank was married to the love of his life, Pauline, on January 21st, 1966, together over 54 years until his homegoing on May 10th. Frank was a consummate family man, and avid Alabama fan. He also took great interest in his sons and their sports activities, coaching them from the youngest of ranks until they reached high school. Frank was a perfectionist in everything, including coaching, which was on full display from the teams he coached and fielded including football, baseball, and basketball. His drive to succeed was mirrored in all the young lives he touched from each and every team, and he treated all of the players as if they were his own. He loved with everything he had, and everyone felt it. His legacy has and will live on with each of his players. Upon retiring, Frank and Pauline moved back home to their 92+ acre farm in Buhl, where he dabbled in farming and enjoyed their golden years together. He attended Buhl Church of God, loved to play golf when he was able, and relished each and every moment with his grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Eric McCroskey, Dusty Woodard, Cody Christian, Tyler Christian, Clay Christian, Craig Humber, and Colt Christian. Honorary pallbearers will be TCHS Class of 1955 and UA College of Business and Commerce Class of 1960. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to your local church to carry on the work of Christ.