Mr. Frank Usry, age 84, of Dahlonega, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the Chestnut Ridge Nursing Home following a recent illness.

He was the oldest of seven kids. He grew up in a busy household and often had to help look after his younger siblings, often having to discipline them, which they would resent but later appreciate. He grow up in a neighborhood where fighting was common. When they first moved in, a little boy knocked on the door, asking his mother if there was a boy about his age; she replied yes. He then asked if he could come out so he could see if he could beat him up. Fights were frequent, and he didn't win them all, but he learned a valuable lesson about giving it all you could, which did help to prevent them from wanting to fight him again. This would prove important in shaping his life and the development of skills he would need for his job as a police officer later on.

He married Judith Lynes in 1960. They were neighbors and went to high school together. When he first saw Judy, he said, "She sure is skinny," and his dad said, "You better be careful; you might marry that girl one day." Well, they celebrated 50 years of marriage before she passed away in 2011.

They had three children: Earl Usry Jr., Barry Usry, and Lori Usry Lyons.

He has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He loved them all and looked forward to them visiting him.

He grew up in construction, but his favorite job was being a police officer. He often drove the paddy wagon because he was strong and could assist other police officers with the more violent arrests. His level of headiness and ability to talk to people to calm them down earned him recognition in the police department. While on patrol duty, he would listen to his little transistor radio and run across a program called The World Tomorrow and Herbert Armstrong. It resonated with him because they talked about Israel, which was not just a little country in the east, but how significant it is in the Bible and how often it is mentioned in prophecy. He also learned the significance of the Sabbath. He later contacted the ministers, and after several meetings, he was advised to quit the police department. His rough upbringing helped him because when he was called to the truth, he was going to follow it no matter what. He had to make the changes and break away from the world. It was difficult because his mother-in-law was dying from leukemia and crying, saying his kids were going to resent him later for this. His kids still follow the truth 50 years later. His later jobs included construction and truck driving. His sons would help in the construction jobs starting at the age of 12 in the summer. This taught them skills that was handed down by generations of Usry's. When the construction hit a recession in the 80's he went to school and became a truck driver. He did this until he retired.

His hobbies included painting and gardening, and cooking. He painted all the paintings hanging in his house. He also liked music. He could play the harmonica, banjo, jew harp, and some guitar. He learned this playing by ear. He never had music lessons. He would often play at family gatherings. Another one of his favorite things was when we would all get together for family gatherings; he would love to sit and talk about his life and family history and hand down advice whether we wanted to listen or not. How valuable it was, even if the children could not realize it then. This will be something the family will miss.

His love for Judy was plain for everyone to see. After her death, he was lonely and never was the same. One of his favorite quotes was "Endeavor to Persevere." He said this even within the last two weeks of his life. He knew this life was full of hardships and battles, but he had comfort in knowing God's plan, and he never lost sight of that. What a joy it is to know he is out of pain and resting until the resurrection.

Frank was the son of the late Joe Usry and Polly Nesmith Usry. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, and his son, Barry Alexander Usry.

He is survived by his son Earl F. Usry, Jr., spouse Sandra Usry of Dahlonega GA; daughter Lori Usry Lyons, spouse Lucky Lyons of Charlotte NC; daughter-in-law Lesa Usry of Dahlonega GA; grandchildren, Julie Usry Isaacs, Emily Usry Turner, Deborah Lyons Stephenson, Alex Usry, Erin Usry Rittenhouse, Leslie Usry, Adam Usry, Megan Usry Hawkins, and Aubrey Usry; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters. He also has numerous other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, with Mr. Charles Graby officiating.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the service hour.  Interment will follow in the Dahlonega Memorial Park Cemetery.

To share a memory or condolences with the family, visit Mr. Usry's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533