Frank R. Chase

Frank Ryland Chase, 80, passed away on March 18, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on July 9, 1930 in Independence, MO. He was the only child of Forest and Frances Chase. Frank was raised in Kansas City, MO and relocated to the Carolinas in 1941. In 1944 the family moved to Jacksonville. Frank graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 1947, and Florida State University, Class of 1951, with a degree in Geology. He was a geologist with the Army Corps of Engineers and worked in the Everglades and Washington D.C. until 1955, when he was hired by Petroleum Engineers as a sales engineer. He married Mary Carmen Coker (Chu Chi) on July 3, 1957 in Jacksonville, FL. He worked for Charles A. Perry as a marine equipment salesman. Frank joined W.E. Greene Corp. of New York in 1963 and relocated to Houston, TX. He was a sales engineer serving the paper manufacturing industry in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In 1970, he co-founded a paper industry service partnership known as “Five Guys”. The partnership represented suppliers to the paper industry in the fifteen southern states. The “Five Guys” business association continued until the members all retired in the early 1990’s. Frank was a licensed pilot flying his own Mooney 231 for business and pleasure. Frank, a lifeguard as a young man, enjoyed the beach lifestyle and retired to the Plantation at Ponte Vedra in 1993. An avid golfer, he was an active member of Plantation Country Club and consistent with his lifelong commitment to the Ortega community, a loyal member of the Timuquana Country Club. Franks’ passion for skiing, family and friends led to yearly outings to the Rockies’ most challenging slopes.

“Paco”, as fondly remembered by his family, is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Chu Chi Chase; daughters, Suzanne Patterson (Pat) and Stephanie Zona (John) and three grandchildren, Blake, Will and Ryland. He will be missed. A gathering of friends will meet at Timuquana Country Club on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 4-6 p.m. to share a cocktail and remember the good times shared with Frank. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jax, FL 32257 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.