Frankie W. Pilley, 85, of Michigantown, passed away February 1, 2026 at Wesley Manor. He was born August 4, 1940 in Bellhaven, North Carolina to Archie Boshen & Iva (Boyd) Pilley. He married Karen Russell on November 12, 1982 in Frankfort and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2025.
Frankie was a 1958 graduate of Pantego High School in North Carolina and a 1962 graduate of Johnson Bible College. He grew up in North Carolina, moving to Clinton County in the 1960’s. He was a minister and also worked for American Republic as an insurance agent in Kokomo. He was an active member of the Michigantown Christian Church, serving as an Elder, Deacon and taught Sunday School for over 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, was an avid outdoorsman and loved traveling with Karen.
Frankie is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Jeffrey) Messinger of Indianapolis, step-son, Wes (Noelle) Clouse of Noblesville, step-daughter, Elizabeth (John) Burnett of Freeland, MI, grandchildren, Nicholas (Amanda) Rothenberger of Michigantown, Erin (Todd) Davis of Michigantown, Curtis (Marcie) Herring of Frankfort, J.T. Burnett of Freeland, MI, Eli Clouse of Noblesville, Emma Clouse of Noblesville, Ella Burnett of Freeland, MI, brother, Colin (Brenda) Pilley of Virginia and 6 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Karen, he was preceded in death by sister, Carole, brother, Terry and step-daughter, Lora Edwards.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 5th at the Michigantown Christian Church, 108 W. Second St., Michigantown. Burial will follow in Whiteman Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37998. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.