John W (Jay, J.W.) Frank, Jr.,68, of Rice, Virginia, passed away

peacefully with family at his side on February 25, 2026, in Lynchburg

General Hospital. Born on August 29, 1957, to the late Betty and John

W Frank, Jay grew up on the family dairy and tobacco farm. During his

high school years, he discovered a love of music and found his voice

through the saxophone in the marching band. After graduation from

Prince Edward Academy in 1974, he chose to remain and work on the

farm. He had a knack for mechanical work but his real joy was playing

alto sax and guitar with the locally popular False Dmitri band. Back in

those days, he could be spotted in his pick up truck with his Great

Dane, his Chihuahua and his goat, Henry, riding shotgun. He also

graduated from dirt bikes to bigger and bigger motorcycles along the

way, but he gave up bikes for family life. Though facing many health

challenges through the years, Jay was a large man with a big, tender

heart. J.W. is survived by his children, Daniel Frank and Carrie Frank,

his step children, Jonathan Frank and Christina Velez (Christopher),

and his sister, Janet Stoner (Richard). J.W. will be missed by friends

and family alike. A celebration of life will follow in the spring.