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Franklin Benton Gattis passed away at the age of 83, on April 23, 2024 in Nags Head, NC. He was a previous resident of Glastonbury, CT and enjoyed retirement in Duck, NC with his loving wife, Jennifer. Frank was born on November 7, 1940 in Durham, NC to the late George and Vera Esther Pope Gattis. He graduated from Virginia Beach High School in 1958 and went on to graduate from Virginia Tech in 1962, with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base from 1962 through 1965. After his military service, Frank worked as an engineer at United Technologies in East Harford, CT and retired after 34 years and then continued as a contractor for many years with Belcan, a global aerospace engineering company.

Frank is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Gattis; sister, Deborah Brown; sisters-in-law Mary Pruett Whalen (spouse Ralph Whalen Jr.) and Joan Pruett Moxley (spouse Robert Moxley), and brothers-in-law, John Pruett and Douglas Koenig. Frank is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jennifer Pruett Gattis; son and daughter-in-law David and Eileen Gattis of Columbia, MD; daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Daniel Maloney of Columbia, MD; and four grandchildren, Caitlyn Mroz (spouse Stephen Mroz), Ryan Gattis, Connor Maloney and Megan Maloney. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Gattis Koenig; aunt and uncle, Doris and Earl Pope; aunt and uncle, Carolyn and Bobby Hinson; sisters-in-law, Fran Gattis and Eva Wloka Pruett, as well as many nieces and nephews.

For many years, Frank was a member and an officer in the Society of Allied Weight Engineers and served for many years as the Secretary for the Snow Geese Dunes Landowners Association. Frank was an avid fan of the University of Connecticut’s Women’s Basketball team and enjoyed attending many games, Final Fours and championships. He loved the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots (his family didn’t hold it against him). He loved genealogy and learning about the family history. He enjoyed family gatherings and participating in the Duck 4th of July parade. He was an extensive traveler across the United States, as well as to Mexico, Canada and several European and Asian countries. Frank loved country music and enjoyed many concerts. Frank felt every day was a “beautiful day” and he carried this positive outlook throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund or your local animal shelter. A private family service will be held at a later date.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

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