Frank "Frankie" David Hilburn

Mr. Frank “Frankie” David Hilburn, age 69, of Rockmart, GA, passed away Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, at his residence.

Frankie was born on October 26, 1955, in Germany to the late John Pershing “Pete” Hilburn and Barbara Williams Hilburn. Though born abroad, Frankie spent the majority of his life in Rockmart, Georgia—a community he loved deeply and served faithfully.

A devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church, Frankie’s life was defined by his unwavering faith, his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his love for music, and his deep commitment to family. His strong moral compass and compassionate spirit guided his 24-year career with the Rockmart Police Department, where he eventually retired as Captain. Always driven to give back, he played a key role in launching the Christmas For Kids program and remained actively involved in local service throughout his life.

Frankie was also a founding member of the Sweet Southern Band, sharing his musical talents and passion with countless others. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he proudly played for the Rockmart Yellow Jackets Football team and wrestled with the Rockmart Wrestling team where he earned a State Championship. He was also a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Beyond his public service and hobbies, Frankie had a love for working on old cars, a reflection of his appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition. His legacy is one of faith, community, and kindness—a life lived with purpose, integrity, and joy.

In addition to his parents, Frankie was preceded in death by a son, Brent Hilburn, brother, Larry Hilburn, and step-father, Buster Crowe and a former wife, Joy Rudeseal Hilburn.

Frankie is survived by his wife, Melinda Cornelius Hilburn, whom he married October 16, 2021; daughter, Dena (Keith) Arp; sons, Josh (Brittany) Watson, and Jacob (Amber-le) Watson; step-daughter; Miranda (Trey) Chappell; grandchildren, Emme Caroline Arp, Ella Christine Arp, Abigail Watson, Emma Faith Watson, Hensley Watson, Breaden Scott Turner, Kaylei Jade Watson, Natalie Watson, Jackson Lee Scoggins, Ryland Chappell, Brooklyn Chappell, and Gracie Whitman. Other extended family members also survive.

Funeral services for Frankie will be held on Monday afternoon, September 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Jack Goss, Rev. Keith Arp and Rev. Brady West officiating. A eulogy will be delivered by Terry Dabbs. Frankie will lie in-state at the church on Monday from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Honors will be provided by the Honor Guards of Bartow County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the Rockmart Police Department.

Frankie’s family will receive friends at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home on Sunday evening, September 14, 2025, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will include Billy Willis, Terry Dabbs, Dave Harper, Randy Ridley, Ronnie Davis, Allen Cornelius, John Hitchcock, Perry Cook, Mike Walden, Trey Chappell, Anthony Godfrey, Lee Burch. Honorary pallbearers will include the 1974 Rockmart High School football and wrestling team, and members of the Sweet Southern Band.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in Brent Hilburn's name.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Frank “Frankie” David Hilburn.