W. Franklin Thomas, Jr.

Elected:           April 5, 2001
Inducted:        August 17, 2001
Born:                September 13, 1924

Married the former Mildred Louise Tuttle on July 28, 1945.  Together they have raised four children, one boy and three girls ages 48 to 55 and now enjoy five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
For the past 32 years, Frank has been involved with the towing and recovery industry, first as Managers of the Railroad Crane Division and later Department and Service Manager and finally as International Manager for the Ernest Holmes Company.  Since 1995, Frank has served as Managing Director of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga.
Frank has always been quiet, yet confident, assisting others to achieve success while denying himself any personal notoriety.  He has always exemplified honesty and fair play throughout his working career and, as a result, won many lifetime friends and admirers.
But of even greater importance are his Christian faith and the values he has extended to others.  Children that he had befriended now return to Frank’s home with their children to see Dad and Mom.  Indeed, Frank has always opened his home to anyone in need, providing food, shelter and counsel.  Sometimes such guests would consume a week’s supply of food in a single day, leaving him to fend for his own needs for the remaining week.
Frank stands tall in many ways setting high standards for others to develop and follow, both in industry and beyond.  Frank deserves the highest recognition our industry can bestow.