Frank McBride

Frank McBride, Jr., 95, a long-time grocer in Columbia, Tennessee, died peacefully at his nephew’s home in Columbia on September 18, 2023.  Frank was born to Frank McBride and Mary Louise Scott McBride on February, 17, 1928, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, where Frank Sr. was an engineer for the Tennessee Highway Department.  After his family settled in Columbia, Frank grew up in the neighborhood of Riverside, where he was a member of the Riverside Rats. Frank always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  As a child, he wrote a neighborhood newspaper, which he typed on his own typewriter and sold to residents for a penny.  

In 1947, Frank graduated from Central High School, where he was a class officer and band member.  After high school, he joined the US Army and served in the Korean War.  On October 26, 1957, Frank married Catherine Smith “Cat” McBride, his loving wife of 56 years, who predeceased him on September 2, 2015.

After returning home from Korea, Frank worked at Tennessee Knitting Mills to save money for his first grocery store, which he opened on Highland Avenue. He later built a larger grocery store, McBride’s Grocery, which he opened on South Main Street on June 4, 1962.  Frank was a pillar of the community and touched many lives through his grocery store, which served as a gathering place for locals and his many friends.  He served on the Columbia Housing Authority for many years, and in honor of his long service and dedication, the housing board named a street after him, McBride Circle. Frank was a founding member of Hertiage Bank and Trust. Frank was also active in American Legion Post 19, the James K. Polk No. 26 Fraternal Order of Police, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

Frank was an avid sportsman who enjoyed bird hunting and fishing at Joe Wheeler Dam, where he had a river house.  He loved watching sports, especially the Tennessee Vols games.  He read three newspapers every day—The Wall Street Journal, The Tennessean, and The Daily Herald.  Frank and Cat attended Highland Park Baptist Church.

Frank is survived by his nephews and nieces: Tony Smith, Mark Hines, Tim Smith, Debbie Sisk Vincent, Scott Jackson, Amy Smith Hinson, and Brian Jackson; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Smith.  He is predeceased by his nephew, Jeff Sisk.   

The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Frank’s caregivers, Robin Anthony, Meme Cummings, Mica Cail.  The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Justin Kropf for the compassionate care he provided to Frank. Pallbearers are Tony Smith, Mark Hines, Tim Smith, Debbie Sisk Vincent, Scott Jackson, and Amy Smith Hinson, and Brian Jackson.  Honorary pallbearers are former employees of McBride’s Grocery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Park Baptist Church Press On Building Fund.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee, followed by a funeral at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Jason Beck and the Reverend Wilson Henderson officiating.  Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens. American Legion Post 19 will be rendering military honors.