Elder Frank James Babb Sr.

By Staff, 10/20/20 10:06 AM

Elder Frank James Babb Sr. a beloved widower, father, and minister, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, October 17, 2020, at home in his sleep. After a brave fight with illness, Frank, a resident of Mountain Pine, passed away to glory at the age of 95.

Frank James Babb Sr. a beloved widow, father, and minister, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, October 17, 2020, at home in his sleep. After a brave fight with illness, Frank, a resident of Mountain Pine, passed away to glory at the age of 95.

Frank was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on April 8, 1925 to Eulysses S. and Nora Hays Babb. He began his ministry more than 60 years ago and became an ordained Elder under the tutelage of Elder Golden Crump at Happy Street Church of God in Christ.  He later became assistant Pastor under Elder Abraham Wheeler and the eventual Pastor at Gordon Memorial Church of God in Christ located in Mountain Pine. He would passionately lead and teach his congregation until he retired in 2017.

Frank began working at the age of 13 when his father died suddenly. Though he had no formal education he worked for ACME Brick, Featherlight, and became the independent business owner of Babb’s Lawn Service. This allowed him to support his family while they obtained an education. His professional journey led to Prescott where he met and married the love of his life Addie Mary Redic. They married in 1946 and during their 56 years of marriage had seven children. He is survived by their children Mary Ethel Babb of Texarkana, Willie Pearl Stewart of Jacksonville, Elder Frank (Betty) Babb Jr. of Mountain Pine, Elder Larry (Annie) Darnell Babb of Mountain Pine, Willie Robert Babb of Dallas, Celquetta Delniece Pride of Sherwood, and Reginald (Felicia) Keith Babb of Hot Springs.

“Preacher” Babb was known as a kind, generous, intelligent man who inspired people with his faith and hope in God. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, preacher, and friend. He was serious about his love and work for the Lord, but he was also known for his sense of humor and amiable personality. He enjoyed telling stories, and often included tales about his long and well lived life while always professing that every day above ground was a good day! In fact, he believed the gift of life was so precious that “every day was like Christmas.” He was a man of many interests, who aspired to be both knowledgeable and proficient in whatever he was doing. This included serving his community as an Alderman for 20 years.

Frank also leaves behind a sister Odessa Bond of West St. Paul Minnesota,  his precious grandchildren Charles Babb of Texarkana, Felicia Highsmith of Hot Springs, LaSonja (Eric) Reed of Jacksonville, Shonna Babb-Smith of Russellville, Alex (Melianie) Babb of Kansas City, Erik (Meaufua) Babb of Anchorage, Tonoka (Victor) Settles of Little Rock, Jason Babb of Mountain Pine, Robin (Megan) Babb of Oklahoma City, Kim Babb of Hot Springs, Terrence Babb of Dallas, Melodie Pride of Sherwood, Jonathan Babb of Hot Springs, Stephanie Babb of Hot Springs, Matthew Babb of Hot Springs, and Celquetta Babb of Hot Springs. He also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eulysses and Nora Babb and his cherished wife Addie Mary Babb.

There will be a walk-thru visitation at Macedonia Baptist Church in Mountain Pine, Thursday, October 22nd, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Elder Babb’s Home Going Celebration will be held at Mountain Pine Cemetery on Friday, October 23rd, at 11:00 am. Elder Babb’s online guestbook is available at www.brandonsmortuary.com. Brandon’s Mortuary is entrusted with professional services.