FRANK BASIL
Frank William Basil (Billy) of Hampstead, NC, formerly of Follansbee, WV, passed away on December 27, 2024, while celebrating the holidays with family in Davison, Michigan. Born on January 10, 1950, he was the son of Frank (JuJu) Basil and Doris (Davis) Basil who preceded him in death. Billy is survived by Karen (Entinger), his beloved wife and soulmate of 51 years, and his cherished children, Trevor Basil and Carly Jo Kachman (Kevin). He was the adoring “PaPa” to four precious grandchildren–Shane, Brooke, Rocco, and Alina Jo. He is survived by his sister, Kathy Jo Moore (Tom), whom he adored.
He graduated from Follansbee High School, attended West Liberty College, and graduated from Salem College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He went on to earn two Master’s Degrees from WVU in Educational Administration and Special Education.
For over 40 years, Billy devoted himself to helping students of all ages become “the best versions of themselves.” He began his education career as a teacher and coach in Tyler and Randolph counties in WV. He later went to Martin and Palm Beach counties in Florida, serving students, parents, teachers, and staff for 25 years. In the latter role, he wrote and implemented a behavior program that was adopted in many Florida schools. Billy completed his professional career, as an administrator in the Palm Beach County School system.
Even after retiring from the public school system, Billy served as a supervisor for student teachers at the University of San Diego. He also created and launched an innovative program, individualized for students of all ages, to help them realize their academic and personal potential.
Billy was the proverbial optimist, and his belief in others and their potential was genuine and unwavering. He lived by his motto: “Make Success Unavoidable.”
Billy was a passionate, lifelong learner who took special pride in teaching himself all manner of things, including playing the guitar. He had an infectious zest for the outdoors and embraced fishing, hunting, and camping with his wife and their dog. Storytelling about his adventures ranged from the sublime to the hilarious.
Many people fondly and gratefully remember “Billy’s hugs” and how much those hugs could bring comfort and convey caring or congratulations to anyone blessed to know him. Billy always knew when a hug was needed, regardless of what burdens he, himself, might have been carrying. Whether a friend or stranger, the person always felt welcomed and accepted by Billy. He had a way of personifying what a hug meant.
But beyond all of this, Billy lived for his family. Nothing made him happier than cooking Italian dishes for the family while teaching his grandkids how to play the guitar. The younger ones now “play for Papa” at bath time while strumming their toy guitars in the tub. He would be thrilled and proud.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at a future date.
Billy would want the following lines from his favorite Raffi song shared in his memory:
“All I really need is a song in my heart
Food in my belly and love in my family”