Celebrating the life of
Frank B. Arden
December 11, 1953 - April 12, 2016
SAVANNAH - Frank Benjamin Arden, III, 62, died peacefully on April 12 in Savannah, Georgia.
He attended Charles Ellis School and was graduated from Benedictine Military School in 1972. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Armstrong State College in 1984.
His professional career was in banking and finance, employed by First Atlanta Corporation, Wachovia Bank, First Union, Merrill Lynch, and The Coastal Bank, retiring as Vice President.
Frank had a passion for the political process and community service. He played a major role in the campaigns of many local and state level officials, such as John Rousakis, Tom Coleman, George T. Smith, Norman Underwood, and George Busbee. Through Frank’s initiative Chatham County became the first municipality in the state of Georgia to levy the 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax through a county-wide referendum—a capital project funding mechanism that has since been adopted throughout the state. He was principal in the creation of several civic organizations, including the West Chatham Council, which he chaired, and the citizen advocacy “NO” organization in Effingham County. For his commitment to community, Frank was recognized with several distinguished accolades over the years, including Chatham County’s “Distinguished Service Award” of 1987 by the Savannah Jaycees, and, in 2006, the Common Cause of Georgia’s “Good Government” award in the Savannah Morning News People of Impact series. Frank’s greatest civic allegiance was to the City of Savannah, where he served on the board of several valuable organizations—notably Senior Citizens, Inc., beginning with the tenure of the late Al Henderson. In 1992 his friend and mentor, Mayor John Rousakis, honored Frank with what would become one of his most treasured tokens of community service—a key to the City of Savannah.
Frank will be remembered for his personal warmth, diverse interests, and gregarious nature. He adored literature and would often recite among family and friends the works of his literary heroes, Robert Frost and Winston Churchill, among others. Above all, Frank cherished nature and the outdoors, where he spent a lifetime fishing, hunting, and navigating the many barrier islands of coastal Georgia.
Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank B. Arden, Jr.
He is survived by his mother, Susie Miller Arden of Savannah; his wife of fifteen years, Wendy Stiles Arden of Guyton; his son Frank B. Arden, IV of Savannah; his sisters Susan Arden-Joly (Christian) and Anne Arden ( Ze Santa-Rita) of Savannah; his niece Eleanore Arden-Joly of Edinburgh, Scotland; nephews Julian Santa-Rita (Lori) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Joao Santa-Rita of Washington, DC.; and great-nephew Oliver Santa-Rita of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Frank was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
A visitation will be held Sunday, from 4:00-6:00 pm, at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Memorial Drive. The Reverend Gavin G. Dunbar will conduct a Funeral Service on Monday, at 11:00 am, in St. John’s Episcopal Church on Madison Square. Burial will be in the Arden Family plot, Bonaventure Cemetery, following a reception in the Green-Meldrim House, immediately after the church service.
Remembrances may be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, One West Macon Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
My sincere Sympathy to Susie and Frank's family. I did not know him, but knew his Dad and Susie.
- Gerry Stevens, Hardeeville, S.C.
Sorry for your lost.
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah, Ga
I am shocked to hear the news about Frank Arden. We go way back to the Pinky Masters days in the 1970's. I always enjoyed speaking with Frank because when he spoke, you listened! He was always interesting and extremely bright!!! I learned a lot about myself from Frank. Conversation with Frank was always a Treat! I am saddened for the loss.
- Dorothy Olson-Williams, Austin, TX
Chatham county is a better place, because of Frank's efforts thru civic,political and community service. I am proud to have know him,my prayers are with his family.
- Tommy BOONDRY, Savannah, Ga
TO THE ARDEN FAMILY, EVEN ON YOUR DARKEST DAYS THERE IS AN ANGEL BY YOUR SIDE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG YOUR WAY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
- MERCER FAMILY, STATESBORO, GA
Dear Susie and family, my deepest sympathy to all, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Barbara Brooks, Savannah, Ga.
To Susie and her family. I am so sorry that Frank was called home at such a young age. I was only beginning to learn of him through Facebook but have loved his family for some years now. God speed to all of you dear souls. My deepest sympathies. Anne
- Anne Mingledorff, Savannah, Ga
The loss of a good friend...Frank Arden. We enjoyed an unconditional friendship that included discussions on all subjects that might come to mind. We had regular telephone calls of length which proved to be pleasurable time spent. Wendy, be strong and my sincere thoughts and prayers are sent to you in your loss of Frank. And, Frank, (Little Frank) while we have not had an opportunity go visit in long time, your Dad always gave me a detailed account of the roads you were traveling and he was very proud of your station in life. I send my heart felt regrets for the loss of your father and your good friend.
- James E. Shockley (Jim), Hendersonville, NC
Frank was true gentleman. My thoughts are with his wife and family for this tragic loss and the days ahead. Elizabeth Scott
- Elizabeth Scott, Savannah, GA
Frank, I will never forget you and how kind you were towards me for so long. I know if there's a Heaven you are there, Hope to see you there one day so save me a place as well as all your wonderful family. Good bless you. Richard, as alreadys your friend
- Richard Sommers, Savannah, GA
My prayers go out to the family at times like this tragedy. Frank was a good friend. I will miss him. He loved Savannah and tried to help people in need. I will always remember him
- Rev. Dr. J Thomas Maddox, Naples, Fl
We miss you, Uncle Frank.Love to all who knew him.
- Lori Yazwinski Santa-Rita, Fayetteville, AR
I have many sweet memories of Frank that reach way back to our childhood at Charles Ellis. Later he was part of our little high school group, friends who went boating or who just sat around cutting the fool. He was a good buddy who constantly made us laugh with his storytelling and imitations. I smile when I remember the sound of his laugh. He was a good guy who will be sorely missed. My sympathy to all who loved him.
- Polly Powers Stramm, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy over your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. With love The Miller Family
- The family of John & Betty Miller, Virginia Beach, Va.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank I am praying for you all. Frank when you enter heaven tell Mama and Daddy hello. I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
- Suzanne McLaughlin VonWaldner , Savannah, Ga
Frank was a very dear friend om mine. I am shocked and saddened by his loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Wife Wendy, his Son Little Frank and the entire Arden Family. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
- Melissa Poole, Hinesville, GA
To the Arden Family, A warm note of condolences in the loss of your loved one, and a wish with deepest sympathy that time will bring you peace.
- Sheila Michael, Chatham Area Transit Authority, Savannah, GA
With our deepest sympathy, and condolences to the whole Arden family. Frank was a kind and loving soul who will be missed greatly. Aniko, Attila, Benedek and Nora
- The Kovacs family, St Louis, MO
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Angell and Steve Usher, Savannah, Ga
My thoughts and prayers are with the Arden family at this time. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed greatly.
- Margaret Mitchell Johnson , Jacksonville , Florida
My sincere Sympathy to Susie and Frank's family. I did not know him, but knew his Dad and Susie.
- Gerry Stevens, Hardeeville, S.C.
Sorry for your lost.
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah, Ga
I am shocked to hear the news about Frank Arden. We go way back to the Pinky Masters days in the 1970's. I always enjoyed speaking with Frank because when he spoke, you listened! He was always interesting and extremely bright!!! I learned a lot about myself from Frank. Conversation with Frank was always a Treat! I am saddened for the loss.
- Dorothy Olson-Williams, Austin, TX
Chatham county is a better place, because of Frank's efforts thru civic,political and community service. I am proud to have know him,my prayers are with his family.
- Tommy BOONDRY, Savannah, Ga
TO THE ARDEN FAMILY, EVEN ON YOUR DARKEST DAYS THERE IS AN ANGEL BY YOUR SIDE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG YOUR WAY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
- MERCER FAMILY, STATESBORO, GA
Dear Susie and family, my deepest sympathy to all, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Barbara Brooks, Savannah, Ga.
To Susie and her family. I am so sorry that Frank was called home at such a young age. I was only beginning to learn of him through Facebook but have loved his family for some years now. God speed to all of you dear souls. My deepest sympathies. Anne
- Anne Mingledorff, Savannah, Ga
The loss of a good friend...Frank Arden. We enjoyed an unconditional friendship that included discussions on all subjects that might come to mind. We had regular telephone calls of length which proved to be pleasurable time spent. Wendy, be strong and my sincere thoughts and prayers are sent to you in your loss of Frank. And, Frank, (Little Frank) while we have not had an opportunity go visit in long time, your Dad always gave me a detailed account of the roads you were traveling and he was very proud of your station in life. I send my heart felt regrets for the loss of your father and your good friend.
- James E. Shockley (Jim), Hendersonville, NC
Frank was true gentleman. My thoughts are with his wife and family for this tragic loss and the days ahead. Elizabeth Scott
- Elizabeth Scott, Savannah, GA
Frank, I will never forget you and how kind you were towards me for so long. I know if there's a Heaven you are there, Hope to see you there one day so save me a place as well as all your wonderful family. Good bless you. Richard, as alreadys your friend
- Richard Sommers, Savannah, GA
My prayers go out to the family at times like this tragedy. Frank was a good friend. I will miss him. He loved Savannah and tried to help people in need. I will always remember him
- Rev. Dr. J Thomas Maddox, Naples, Fl
We miss you, Uncle Frank.Love to all who knew him.
- Lori Yazwinski Santa-Rita, Fayetteville, AR
I have many sweet memories of Frank that reach way back to our childhood at Charles Ellis. Later he was part of our little high school group, friends who went boating or who just sat around cutting the fool. He was a good buddy who constantly made us laugh with his storytelling and imitations. I smile when I remember the sound of his laugh. He was a good guy who will be sorely missed. My sympathy to all who loved him.
- Polly Powers Stramm, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy over your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. With love The Miller Family
- The family of John & Betty Miller, Virginia Beach, Va.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank I am praying for you all. Frank when you enter heaven tell Mama and Daddy hello. I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
- Suzanne McLaughlin VonWaldner , Savannah, Ga
Frank was a very dear friend om mine. I am shocked and saddened by his loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Wife Wendy, his Son Little Frank and the entire Arden Family. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
- Melissa Poole, Hinesville, GA
To the Arden Family, A warm note of condolences in the loss of your loved one, and a wish with deepest sympathy that time will bring you peace.
- Sheila Michael, Chatham Area Transit Authority, Savannah, GA
With our deepest sympathy, and condolences to the whole Arden family. Frank was a kind and loving soul who will be missed greatly. Aniko, Attila, Benedek and Nora
- The Kovacs family, St Louis, MO
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Angell and Steve Usher, Savannah, Ga
My thoughts and prayers are with the Arden family at this time. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed greatly.
- Margaret Mitchell Johnson , Jacksonville , Florida
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
