Franklin Ellis Blum

Franklin Ellis Blum completed his journey through this life on September 17, 2024 while being comforted by family. Born in Abbeville, South Carolina in 1937, Ellis, as he was known by his dearest friends from childhood, was grateful for nearly nine decades of life.

What a life he had and how much he managed to fit into his 87 years on this Earth! He held so many different roles over the years, it certainly seemed he lived more than a single lifetime. As a navigator and pilot, he was our North Star, always constant and steady. As a captain, he steered the ship and planned ahead, avoiding white water unless he was the only one in the boat. As the owner of a commercial fishing vessel that braved the deep, open ocean, his reputation for fearlessness earned him the nickname White Water. As the Executive Director of a 501(c)(4) he helped found, he fought for natural and sustainable seafood fisheries. As a father, husband, and American hero, he made us proud. Above all, he stood for hard work, resilience, strength, and education and he encouraged all of his children to pursue continued studies throughout their lives.

His faith in God was not grounded in a particular religion but rather comprised of his experiences in nature. He was educated in marine biology and spoke often of his faith in God through his observance of intelligent design, his belief in the infinite universe, and the amazing grace he received during his lifetime. He loved the mountains and had many memorable trips with his family from the foothills of South Carolina and Georgia to the Canadian Rockies. His first career, as an Airforce officer, where he had the pleasure of serving as a Air Commando with the 603rd Air Commando Squadron, which took him across the world, from the Congolese Jungle to the Swiss Alps, oftentimes being shot at along the way.

He earned many credentials and awards during his life but was most appreciative of those recognizing his service in the military. Frank's career in the United States Air Force spanned over 22 years, during which he enlisted as an airman in 1954, became an officer in 1961, and advanced through the ranks to Major in 1971, retiring in 1976. During his time in the Air Force, he logged over 4,300 flying hours (not including those he flew in covert operations) in a wide array of military aircraft, with most of his time spent as a navigator in the C-47 Skytrain & A-26 Invader, and as a weapon systems operator in the F-4 Phantom. He served in the Vietnam war, flying over 230 combat missions in the A-26 and over 120 combat missions in the F-4. In his career he earned numerous awards for heroism and outstanding achievement, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with 8 oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 21 oak leaf clusters. Five years ago, he was able to take a final flight on the world’s last operational A-26.

Twenty-four years ago, Frank required a heart transplant. This incredible gift from God, which gave him yet another lifetime, was donated by the family of Davy McKnight. Frank called Davy’s mom, Denise, his second mother, but felt he could never fully express his gratitude for what Davy and his family had provided him through the gift of donation. Frank’s wife and daughters were blessed beyond measure by the McKnight family’s decision to donate Davy’s heart. Frank took very good care of it and used it to love his family unconditionally until his last breath, making every single day count and putting all of his efforts toward a manifestation of good in the world.

He leaves behind his wife of almost fifty years, Deborah, and five daughters he considered his “diamonds,” Joneen (Cory), Jill (Daniel), Jennifer (Brett), Jade (Biniam), and Regan (Alexander). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, a brother, Robert, and sister, Jean. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Edna, and his older brother, James.

In lieu of flowers, the Blum family requests you make a commitment to become an organ donor and discuss the decision with your loved ones.