Marion Franklin "Frank" Ard, Jr

Marion Franklin Ard, Jr. (Frank), age 76, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2021. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on June 2, 1945. With his dad being in the Navy, he lived in many different places growing up. Finally settling in Pensacola, he married his wife of 52 years, Cecelia Warrick. When they were first married, he worked at a paint and body shop. After that, he worked with Florida Department of Transportation and then moved on to work at the Florida Welcome Station. He retired as a landscaper at the University of West Florida. He was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He loved being outside and working in the yard. Cutting grass was his hobby! His favorite thing to watch on TV was wrestling. When his kids were little, they’d have wrestling matches on the living room floor. He was VERY involved with his church, Ensley United Methodist. He had many friends at church and enjoyed spending time there. He spent many hours making sure the church yard grass was cut and thoroughly enjoyed it. Later in life, he and Cecelia decided to get a dog, a miniature dachshund that they named Rambo. They both adored Rambo, and after Cecelia passed, Rambo was a lot of company for Frank. He loved that dog! Although his death was unexpected, he talked about God often and said when his time was up, he was ready. He is resting peacefully now. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia Ard; son, Richard Ard; father, Marion Franklin Ard, Sr.; mother, Louise Ard; sister, Patricia Lisenby; brothers, Johnny Ard and Richard Ard; grandson, Joshua Gill. Frank is survived by his sister, Pamela (Bill) Jones; daughters, Tammy (Larry) Merritt and Wanda (David) Gill; son, Marion Franklin Ard III; granddaughter, Jessica Merritt; and his dog, Rambo. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Ensley United Methodist Church with Rev. Suzanne Kornowski officiating. Burial will follow in Myrtle Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm prior to services. Pallbearers will be Larry Merritt and David Safakhoo. Please, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ensley United Methodist Church. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Marion Franklin "Frank" Ard, Jr

June 2, 1945 - August 4, 2021