07/14/2026
Brethern, Brother Frank Cozby has laid down his working tools.
Franklin Jackson “Frank” Cozby Jr., 99, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Wylie Baptist Church with Mark Harkrider officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
Frank was born on September 3, 1926, in Lewisville, Texas, to Franklin Jackson Cozby Sr. and Viola Bradley Cozby. He attended Fort Worth Technical High School, where he studied automobile mechanics and participated in ROTC. Because he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II, Frank graduated after completing the 11th grade and answered his nation's call to service.
Frank proudly served for two years in the United States Army, including approximately 14 months overseas in the Pacific. His service took him through the Philippines and into Japan following the war. While serving in the occupation of Japan, he witnessed the aftermath of Hiroshima and helped dispose of stored explosive powder near the devastated city.
Following his military service, Frank held several jobs while establishing his career. He worked for Boswell's Ice Cream and drove one of the company's ice cream trucks, managed a local game room, and operated his uncle's lumber yard before joining Waples-Platter Company as a salesman in 1952. He remained with the business through its transition to White Swan Foods and retired after 35 years of dedicated service. The company later became part of US Foods.
Throughout his life, Frank was blessed with three marriages. He was first married to Betty Ruth Harvey, later to Dura Mae Waldrop, the mother of his two children, and finally to Nelda Mitchell Smith.
Frank was a devoted member of Wylie Baptist Church and was actively involved in the Order of the Eastern Star and Freemasonry. His Masonic journey began when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 21, 1953. He remained a Master Mason in good standing for more than 60 years. During that time, he held memberships with Mackenzie Lodge No. 1327, John Sayles Lodge No. 1408, and Milam Lodge No. 11, where he formed many lasting friendships through years of service and fellowship.
Frank will be remembered for his love of storytelling, his unwavering faith, his devotion to family and friends, and the countless memories he shared from a life rich with service, laughter, and love.
Frank was preceded in death by his wives, Betty Ruth Cozby, Dura Mae Cozby, and Nelda Cozby; his daughter, Tommie Jean Cozby; his siblings, Ola May Cozby, Emil Franklin Cozby, Margrett Josephine Cozby Elliott, Homer Jesse Cozby, Laurence Cozby, and Ronald Bennett Cozby; and his parents, Franklin Jackson Cozby Sr. and Viola Bradley Cozby.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Mary Cozby; his granddaughter, Ashley Swinney and her husband; and his cherished great-grandson, Ryder.
Pallbearers will be nephew Roy Underwood and Brothers of John Sayles Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made by donating blood through the Hendrick Regional Blood Center in Frank's honor.
