Frank Doutrich Deets, Jr. November 28, 1944 – June 22, 2025

Frank Doutrich Deets, Jr., 80, of Port Orange, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and passionate sports enthusiast, Frank leaves behind a legacy filled with joy, laughter, and deep connections.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, Frank was the son of Frank and Bess Deets. The family later moved to Richmond, Virginia, where Frank spent his youth playing baseball, strumming his guitar, and performing gigs with his bands Frank Deets and the Offbeats and The Chantells—hints of the rhythm and playfulness that would define his life. The Chantells first singles "I Thought You Would" and "Who Meant the World to Me" released in January 1965.

He proudly served in the Army National Guard and attended University of Virginia and Smithfield Massey Business College before launching a successful career in business. Frank co-founded National Welders Supply with his dear friend PJ Edmonds and later sold the company to Airgas, retiring in 2010.

On November 23, 2001, Frank married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Phelon) Deets, in Las Vegas. Together they shared a beautiful life of travel, companionship, and a love that Barbara describes with a smile: "Your dad wasn't perfect, and I'm not perfect—but we were perfect for each other."

A proud fan of University of Virginia and Boston College athletics, Frank cheered on his teams with heartfelt devotion—especially in football, basketball, and golf. He was most recently active in the Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club community, where he enjoyed strong friendships, time in the pool, card games and the occasional bingo.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Deets; their cherished family cat, Minnie; daughter Ashley Deets Reed and her husband, Justin, and their son, Graham, Frank's grandson; son Frank Doutrich Deets III; daughter Sheri Ann McCamish and her husband, Michael; sister Marianne Harris (John Harris); brother Dwight Deets (Pamela Deets) and niece Holli Blair; and sister-in-law June Stephanie Peat.

He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Bess Deets, sister, June Deets, stepdaughter, Colleen Mary Davis; brother-in-law John "Johnno" Phelon and sister-in-law Kristine Hughes.

Frank's legacy is one of warmth, loyalty, and humor. He leaves behind stories, laughter, and a life well-lived—touching all who knew him with his generosity of spirit and steady presence.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 18, at 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 4675 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32129. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The service will be available via livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/@ourladyofhopecatholicchurc9807

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Virginia Athletics Association: https://virginiaathleticsfoundation.com/how-to-make-a-gift/