Oliver "Frank" Franklin Carden

Oliver Franklin "Frank" Carden, age 74 of Athens entered into his heavenly home to be with Jesus on Saturday, April 9, 2022.  He was surrounded by his loving and caring family until his passing. Frank was a kind, generous, dedicated, hard-working man.  He was a loving husband, father, brother and a faithful friend.  He was a faithful provider and took great care of his family.
A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, Frank served many years as an ordained deacon in the Southern Baptist denomination.  He was a member of Mt. Verd Baptist Church.  Along with his wife, he was the founder and owner of Sleep World Waterbeds and Furniture Store for 18 years, and later Sunrise Apartments.  Frank was also a highly-skilled carpenter.
Frank was a U.S. Army veteran and achieved the rank of Spec. 4.  He proudly served his country in Vietnam, where he completed a tour of duty from 1967-1968.  He drove a Deuce and a Half Military truck for the 58th Transportation Group, often hauling artillery while under enemy fire.  He always said it was an honor to serve his country, and he did so proudly.
Frank is preceded in death by his father, Roy "Ross" and Geneva Roberts Carden, sisters Eva Sue Carden, Gladys DeLores Spence, nephew Travis Brandon Moore, brothers-in-law Marvin Burdette and Lewis Layman.  He is survived by his loving, dedicated and caring wife of almost 51 years, Shirley Bohannon Carden of Athens, his daughter Stephanie Carden Devine and son-in-law John Devine of Niota.  He is survived by sisters Margaret Burdette of Rock Hill, SC, Glenora Louise Carden of Harrison, TN, Katherine Layman of Athens, TN, Wilma (Kenneth) Hall of Chattanooga, TN, Sandra (Charles) Jackson of Athens, TN, Sarah (Jim) Blair of Birchwood, TN, Barbara (Joe) Drumright of Athens, TN,  Wanda (Wayne) Moore of Glasgow, KY and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many wonderful, loving friends, including his special friend and brother-in-law whom he loved dearly, Charles Jackson.
One of Frank's favorite Bible verses was "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col. 3:17.  Frank and his wife would affix this verse to each piece of completed furniture, as a witness to the customer who purchased it.  It was a guiding principle to Frank's business and life. 
A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Mt. Verd Baptist Church with Dr. Donnie Dalton officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5-7 at the church prior to the service.  Graveside and burial will be at Clearwater Cemetery at 11:00, Thursday, April 14, 2022 with full military honors and the Rev. Jimmy Jackson officiating.  The pallbearers will be the men that helped and worked with Frank during his years of manufacturing his furniture business; Jared Drumright, Ross Bohannon Jr., John Bohannon, Seth Bohannon, Matthew Bohannon, and Jeffrey Bohannon.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Jackson, Kevin Layman, Josh Hall, Keith Burdette and Mark Burdette.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga for their tender loving care for Frank, especially Stephanie Wilson, RN and Amanda Andrejek, CNA  as well as the Guardian Home Health team and especially Shelly Adams for their loving care, also his caregivers Deborah Dinkens and Kathy Dills.
Those unable to attend may leave condolences at www.laycockhobbs.com/obituaries/Oliver-Frank-Carden