Wayne "Frank" Franklin Rhodecap
Wayne Franklin “Frank” Rhodecap, 72, passed away peacefully at his family home in Weyers Cave, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
He was born on June 5, 1952, to the late Jack B. and Clarene “Antha” (Fultz) Rhodecap, of Weyers Cave, VA. In addition, he is preceded in death by a special cousin- who was more like brother- J.C. Craun; the mother of his daughter, Donna (Robertson) Langford; and sister, Norma (Rhodecap) Sumner; and many aunts and uncles.
Frank is survived by his only child, a daughter, Gretchen Amber Rhodecap, who he commonly referred to as his “pride and joy”. He is also survived by two favorite cousins, Suzy (Fultz) Berry and Sara (Craun) Markham.
Frank was a graduate of Fort Defiance High School, Class of 1970. By trade, Frank was a metal fabricator, welder and machinist. Early on, he worked for several years at Southern Stainless and later at CNC Welding, both in Waynesboro, VA. The majority and latter of his metal working career, Frank worked at Shickels Machine Shop, now known as Shickel Corporation, in Bridgewater, VA.
Frank was a collector and trader of all things metal, always looking for the best deal. He was a rigid frame motorcycle fanatic, with a special love for the Harley Davidson Panhead. He was an avid gun enthusiast, enjoying various gun and trade shows and teaching Gretchen marksmanship. Frank’s favorite pastime was traveling with his friends to Pennsylvania for the annual Spring Carlisle Collector Car Flea Market, with a sharp eye for the early model Fords. Frank enjoyed Rock-N-Roll music with favorites including bands Cream and Led Zeppelin.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm in the afternoon, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, with Rev. Russel Heinrich officiating. Motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome and encouraged to ride in honor of Frank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Frank’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at 4301 Fairfax Dr, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22203, a charity he donated to over the years.
The family would like to give special thanks to Augusta Wound Care Clinic, including Dr. Ranzini, Angela and Tonya; his surgeon Dr. Goff; Virginia Prosthetics in Fishersville, VA and prosthetic guru Shyann; as well as the Carilion Medical Group in Fort Defiance, VA and Dr. Lagrua, for all of the care provided to Frank over the years. Additional thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Harrisonburg, VA, for assisting Gretchen and Frank these past couple of weeks.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Grottoes, VA.
Online condolences may be made at johnsonfs.com
