David Clayton Frame united with his Savior on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, peacefully, while surrounded by loved ones. David was born in Conroe, Texas on October 9, 1944 to Frances “Bunny” Cheatham and Elmer Clayton Frame, who was serving the Third Army in Normandy, France, during WWII at the time.
David was a lifelong nature enthusiast and true outdoorsman. He created countless memories while hunting and fishing with family and friends. As a youth, he participated in Cub Scouts and Little League Baseball. David was a dynamic pitcher and excelled at Conroe High across all pursuits - baseball, tennis, industrial arts, debate, and band. He was a member of the Latin Club, Debate Club, T-Square Club, Junior Rotary, and National Honor Society. During high school and college, he worked as a map draftsman for Griffin Abstract Company. He took flying lessons and obtained his pilot’s license. In 1967, David graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
David began his 38-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration in October 1967. In 2006 he retired as FAA Support Manager, Traffic Management, Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center.
David is known for his significant contributions to ensure reliable air traffic control for the airlines and the flying public. His steadfast professionalism embodied positive interaction through teamwork and utilization of innovative methods, procedures, and programs aimed at new horizons in 21st century air traffic services. He was actively involved with programs and working groups such as: Collaborative Decision-Making, the Collaborative Routing Work Group and Performance Data Analysis and Reporting System, Center-TRACON Automation System and Traffic Management Advisor. He worked closely on projects such as the Global Communications Navigation and Surveillance System, the Very High Frequency Extended Range Network, and the Safe Flight 21 Integrated Project Team. David was selected as the Air Traffic Coordinator for the City of Houston’s Super Bowl XXXVIII, held in February 2004. He planned a Special Traffic Management Program that handled record air traffic levels and was recognized for his safe, efficient operation. In November 2004, David was the recipient of The David J. Hurley Memorial Award for outstanding achievement or contribution in the field of Aviation Traffic Management.
After retirement, he served as Senior Executive at Jerry Thompson & Associates in Washington, D.C., where he was involved in Air Traffic Management, Airspace Analysis and Systems Engineering, Aviation Economics, and Program Management.
At the time of his death, David was the Hughes Aerospace Corporation’s subject matter expert in Air Traffic Control Engineering. He worked with Hughes on a wide variety of NextGen Implementation projects involving Performance Based Navigation in the United States as well as internationally. His thorough understanding of systems solutions involving safety, airspace, flight operations, air traffic and business was unique in the industry. He assisted in the implementation of countless procedures in airports and heliports. His work with Hughes included visits throughout the United States, Latin America, Alaska, and Southeast Asia.
In addition, David was a real estate broker, a member of the Montgomery County Historical Commission and was the HOA president for the Longwood Subdivision. In 2021, he was a member of the Montgomery County Appraisal District’s Appraisal Review Board.
A true Southern gentleman, David had a heart of gold. His brilliant mind, engaging personality, and keen sense of humor was partnered with an abundance of humility. He was a curious and constant learner. An incessant reader, he developed an expertise on any subject he encountered. David’s life was a life of service. No matter the venture, he improved every project he was involved in.
David married Charlotte Norris in 1971. Together, they raised three beloved boys. David was a dedicated father. He took great care to teach, guide and serve his children. He extended these qualities to his children’s friends as well. He spent countless hours on the baseball fields scheduling and coaching select teams and traveling to games, including Nationals.
In 2015, David married Nevadia (Vickie) Thornberry. They had a wonderful life together, enjoying family, friends, and traveling. David and Vickie are members of the Bridge Builders Life Group Class at First Baptist Church.
David played as hard as he worked. He enjoyed fishing trips to the bay with his buddies, dove, quail, and deer hunting, visiting historical sites, genealogy research, baseball, exploring new restaurants, movies, and musical venues. David’s love for his family was endless and he especially treasured every moment spent with his children and grandson.
David was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Bunny Frame, grandparents Ed and Claudia Cheatham and Lila Frame Cochran, nephew Clayton Brown, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. David is survived by his loving wife, Nevadia (Vickie)Thornberry Frame; children David Frame Jr, Edward Frame (Ginger), their son Kolt, and Douglas Frame (Kate) and their mother Charlotte Frame; stepchildren Rachel Chowdry (Rick) and children Sarah and Carter Yancy, Julie Peeler (Justin) and their children Sadie, Alonso, and Boone, Michael Thornberry, David Thornberry (Amanda) and their children Caroline, Owen, and Ruby. He is survived by his sister Carol Brown (Dennis). Extended family and friends will cherish his memory.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Conroe, 600 N Main St, in Conroe, Texas. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 AM. Reception to follow.
David made an indelible mark on those whose lives he touched. His tender heart, kind words, great sense of humor, and generous spirit created timeless memories and stories that will live on with family and friends. Online remembrances made be made at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Frame family.
For those desiring to honor his memory, contributions may be made in David’s name to:
Montgomery County Historical Commission, c/o Larry Foerster, 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100, Conroe, Texas 77301 or Coastal Conservation Association, 6919 Portwest Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Frame family.
