Obituary
Frank Arthur Zimbelman, III (69), of Ormond Beach, Florida passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife on the morning of Monday, July 19, 2021, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Despite the toll the disease took on his body, he was resilient to the very end and never once complained or let his spirits drop – even though he had to give up his favorite drink (rum & coke). Frank was born on August 24, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii to Frank Arthur Zimbelman, II of New Orleans, Louisiana and Darlene Hargrove of Rosebud, Texas.
Frank was raised in New Orleans and spent lots of time with his grandmother, Isabel Smith, with whom he was very close. He attended Ben Franklin High School, and later The University of Texas at Austin, after which he worked as a control systems technician and engineer in the oil & power industry and lived all over the world – from a sailboat in Alaska to a villa in Sardinia. While on assignment in Kuwait in 1986, Frank met his soulmate, Beverley, whom he was married to for 33 years and lovingly referred to as “Tiger.”
A lifelong sports car fanatic, he owned Corvettes, Porsches, Jags, Triumphs, MGs, and Alfa Romeos. He was an avid dog lover, owning five English Springer Spaniels throughout his life: Annie, Missy, Raffles, Molly, and Bailey. Frank enjoyed long-distance running and cycling in his spare time. He was a devoted father and became a passionate soccer dad when his two sons began playing. His favorite activities included watching and supporting Liverpool FC with his son, Ryan, and attending the annual Turkey Rod Run at the Daytona Speedway with his son, Jack.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, Frank II and Darlene; his grandmother, Isabel; his stepmother, Karen; and his half-sister, Lorrie.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverley; his two sons, Ryan and Jack; his daughter, Jessica; his granddaughter, Audrey; and his siblings, Debra, Todd, and Jensen.
A Celebration of Life service for Frank will be held on Saturday, July 31st at 11am at Oasis Church (85 S Tymber Creek Road, Ormond Beach FL 32174). Dress is beachy casual – Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops encouraged. Light refreshments to follow. All are welcome.
Service
85 S. Tymber Creek Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Beverley and Frank at 2019 BFHS reunion in New Orleans.
--T. S. Eliot, from "Dry Salvages" from Four Quartets
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
― T. S. Eliot, from “Little Gidding” from Four Quartets
He was always calm under pressure and a pleasure to speak with, he may have even had a story from time to time. :)
I am disappointed that I am unable to be with you today on this day of farewell, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank, you will be missed but not forgotten.
Celebrate this and every day.
Your Friends,
Chris and Dianna
Hoffman
This photo is a bit unusual, but then, so was the way we first met. Our first meeting involved a car (no surprises there) and a carefully calculated plan that went slightly awry. We revisit that memory often and it never fails to fill our hearts with joy and laughter. When last we saw you, Frank, you were behind the wheel of your beautiful corvette. Your excitement for the journey ahead was evident in your smile. We couldn’t know that would be the last time we would see each other but, once again, you left us with a beautiful memory. We are blessed to have been part of your journey and grateful for the precious moments we shared with our dear neighbor, friend and family. May eternal joy be yours.
His eyes were always included in his smile.
Frank had little time for small talk or idle chatter. But we shared many enjoyable conversations.
His was passionate about the important things is his life. The love of his life Beverley, his sons, his home, his work, and last but not least his cars
Throughout our boyhood, my brother Reg and I, listened to our father recite to us the poem IF written by Rudyard Kipling - in the certain hope that we would live our lives by it’s splendid precepts.
I can pay no finer tribute to Frank than to say :- Frank could have written that Poem.
R I P Frank. Uncle John and Mandy with love xx
I hope memories of happier days will help all of you through this difficult time. Please know that we are here if you need anything at all.
Jack's Birthday party
I met Bev ovrer 30 years ago while in Kuwait. We are like sisters. My famiy has shared birthday parties, cook-outs, Mardi Gras parades and many more celebrations with Frank, Bev, Ryan & Jack. The Zimbelmans are family! As the photos I post will show, Frank was a devoted husband and father. Pictures are worth a thousand words. His glances at Bev confirm his love for her. His patience and caring for his sons were remarkable. His friendship was like no other. He and my husband would talk endlessly about cars and fishing. We were blessed to have him in our life. RIP Frank, you will be missed. I promise to take good care of Bev and the boys.
Beverley and Frank celebrating New Years Eve at the Gray's
When my husband Ed met Frank they became fast friends and would get together for breakfast or lunch every week, when no one was out of town.
Frank was a special friend, he could solve any problem or answer any question and had the best smile…. we will never forget you.
May you rest peacefully my friend, you paid your dues.
Frank was a gentleman, and a gentle man. His humorous wisdom and infectious chuckle will live forever in our memories.
R.I.P., Frank. We will miss you, Friend.