1st Sgt. Frank T. Polk, US Army, SF, Ret., passed peacefully into his heavenly home on May 13, 2025.

Known for his strong faith, he found solace in sharing the Gospel and encouraging others with the message, "it's never too late to trust in the Lord."

He was born on July 10, 1945, and is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Kaye Cline Polk. He was not only a wonderful spouse, he was an amazing father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor.

Frank was the son of the late James P. Polk of McRae, Arkansas, and Florence E. Polk of Denver, Colorado. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole Danielle Polk of Long Beach, California. He is survived by his stepson, Burt Broughton and wife Nicole of Gastonia, NC; his stepdaughter, Barbie Sprouse of Shelby, NC; and his grandchildren, Clay Whitworth, Alyssa Broughton, Hunter Ledford, Weston Sprouse, and many cousins throughout the United States.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as a First Sergeant after 24 years of honorable service. He began his military career in the Airborne Infantry and spent the next 21 years in the elite Special Forces (Green Beret). His service included three combat tours in Vietnam and one in the Dominican Republic.

Among his many commendations and decorations are the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (7th Awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation.

Following his military career, Frank pursued higher education with great dedication. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Appalachian State University and a Master's degree from Winthrop University. He also completed additional coursework in Criminal Justice at Western Carolina University.

Frank later served nearly 20 years as the Department Head of Criminal Justice at Cleveland Community College, where he mentored and inspired countless students. He took great pride in knowing he made a positive impact on both his fellow soldiers and his students, which gave him a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment throughout his life.

Frank will be remembered for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, located at 1022 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Rev. Jason Allen will share words of encouragement for those in attendance. Full Military Honors will be presented by the Foothill Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.