Francis Sisk Obituary

Lt. Col. Francis "Frank" Gordon Sisk (Ret.) MT. PLEASANT - Frank Sisk, age 80, died peacefully in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on August 14, 2016, after a life of service and sacrifice to and for his family, his community, and his country. Born on October 28, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Frank was the hardworking and resourceful son of Angela Ethelda Bender Sisk and William Joseph Sisk. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1953, Frank enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard and attended the University of Pittsburgh. Having a strong interest in the military and especially West Point, he competed and was selected as the second alternate for the United States Military Academy. When the two candidates before him were unable to attend, Frank was offered the appointment which would begin a lifetime of service to the Nation. He entered the United States Military Academy in 1957 and graduated in 1961, at which time he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the United States Army. Colonel Sisk graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School, before commencing his career in Alaska, where he was selected to conduct long range survey patrols of the Brooks Mountain Range with The Army Research Commission (TARC), an assignment he enjoyed immensely. He was subsequently assigned as the Company Commander for Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry in South Korea. Following his command, Frank attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Baxter. They were married on June 17, 1967 prior to his first tour in Vietnam, where he served as Special Forces advisor to the South Vietnamese Army during the TET Offensive. After completing his tour in Vietnam, Frank served as an instructor for the ROTC program at Central Michigan University, but soon found himself again in Vietnam for a second tour of duty as an Inspector General with MACV. Frank went on to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division; as the Deputy Commanding Officer for Fort Hamilton, New York; and as an Officer in support of Foreign Military Sales in Seoul, Korea. He received a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1983. Frank culminated his military career serving at the U.S. Army Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. After a decorated and distinguished military career of twenty-eight years, Frank retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and two Bronze Stars. Of his other awards and decorations, he was most proud of his Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB). Frank retired to his wife's hometown of Blackshear, Georgia and raised his two children, Gordon and Kathleen, after the unfortunate passing of his beloved wife Joyce in 1989 to cancer. They were happily married for 22 years. He enjoyed life in South Georgia as a gentlemen farmer, raising cotton, soybeans, and pecans. He also taught classes at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia and for the Federal Prison System in South Georgia. He served on both the Pierce County Library Board and Tax Equalization Board. He was close to his family and was very active in the local community. He attended Ward Memorial Methodist Church, as well as Walkerville Baptist Church, and he held a great affection for both churches. Frank enjoyed his many trips with family to Aghada, County Cork, Ireland to visit the home of his grandfather and reconnect with cousins. He held dual citizenship with Ireland and the United States. In 2012, he moved to Franke At Seaside in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina to be close to his grandchildren. Frank will be greatly missed for his loyalty, kindness, positive attitude, and sharp wit. Frank is survived by his brother, David Sisk of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his sister-in-law, Joan Baxter Graham of Blackshear, Georgia; his son, Francis Gordon "Gordy" Sisk II of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter, Kathleen Sisk Askins and her husband, Colonel Harold William Askins III, and their two children, Mary Isabelle Askins and Harold William Askins IV of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; his six nieces and nephew, Debbie McCullars, Terri Hobbs, Pam Popham, Karen Thrift, Erin Drury, Robin Sisk and David Sisk; many grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and close friends. Funeral services for Frank will be held Wednesday afternoon, August 17, 2016, at 3:00 o'clock from the Pearson-Dial Chapel. Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation for Frank will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com. Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston