Frank H. Wingate

On December 14, 2024 our best man, Frank H. Wingate, age 90, peacefully departed this life due to natural causes, concluding a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Born on August 9, 1934, in Omega, Georgia (Tift County), to Enoch Benton (E.B.) Wingate and Winnie Lena West Wingate, Frank was raised on a farm in Dougherty County, between Radium Springs and Putney. This upbringing instilled in him a deep faith in God, a strong sense of family values, and an unwavering work ethic.

A graduate of Albany High School in 1953, Frank soon met and married his high school sweetheart, Rita Hayes. Their love story spanned 67 years of marriage until Rita’s passing on November 8, 2020. 

As a young man, Frank demonstrated a tireless work ethic as a paperboy for the Albany Herald, where he learned essential skills in business, communication, and money management. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his 40-year career with Westinghouse Electric Supply Corp (WESCO), where he consistently excelled, earning recognition as WESCO’s #1 Salesman in America.

A devoted servant of others, Frank was an active Elder and Sunday School Teacher at First Presbyterian Church and later at First Christian Church in Albany. As a Cub Scout Cubmaster at Morningside Elementary, he went above and beyond, fostering a spirit of community awareness among young scouts. He also volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Albany Police Department, The Anchorage, and the Albany Civitan Club. Frank's legacy is one of selfless service, boundless love for family, and an unwavering commitment to his community. He touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Frank is survived by his four sons and their wives: Ricky and Andrea, Mark and Loretta, Bryan and Cindy, and Bruce; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his parents, E.B. and Winnie Wingate, as well as his siblings Julie (Judy) Wingate Mills and Clarence Rex (Buddy) Wingate.

Memorial services will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, 3:00 P.M. at Mathews Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the services at Mathews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Frank H. Wingate to: Alzheimer’s Association, 886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201; or The Anchorage, Inc., 162 Hampton Lane, Leesburg, GA 31763.