Frank Ray Basnett

Frank Ray Basnett, 78, of Lexington passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024 surrounded by his family. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church, 3215 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia.  Rev. Debbie Miller will be officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M.-10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church prior to the service. 

Frank was born on September 4, 1946 in Wheeling, WV.  He is son of the late Ferdinand Samuel Basnett and Virginia Edwards Basnett.  Frank was predeceased by his sister, Linda Basnett Newman.

Frank’s early years were spent in Pomeroy, Ohio, where he attended Sugar Run Elementary, before his family moved to Columbia, SC. He attended Crayton Middle School and graduated from AC Flora High School in 1964. Frank went on to study at the University of South Carolina, earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1969 and playing baseball for the Gamecocks his freshman year—a point of pride that stayed with him throughout his life. Go Cocks! 

During the Vietnam War, Frank served honorably in the U.S. Army, stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was recognized for his dedication and service.

Frank dedicated much of his professional life to the insurance industry, beginning with the South Carolina Department of Insurance and later becoming Vice President and Treasurer of Carolina Continental Insurance Company. His career was marked by a commitment to integrity and excellence, and he retired from the Department of Insurance with a legacy of service.

Frank’s dedication to his community ran deep. He served on the Lexington Medical Center Board from 2009 to 2017, where he chaired both the Finance and Operations Committee and the Audit Committee and was a member of the Outreach Committee. Frank also volunteered with the Nehemiah Project, giving his time and talents to help those in need.

A man of faith, Frank was deeply involved at Platt Springs United Methodist Church. Over the years, he served in various roles, including Chair of Finance, Trustee, Treasurer, and Chair of the Staff Pastor Relations Committee. His commitment to his church family was unwavering.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Susan Basnett; his children, Nikki Trotter (Scott), Sam Basnett, Ryan Basnett (Holley), and Travis Basnett (Andrea); his stepchildren, Brian Stotts, Jeff Stotts (Liz), Laura Collins and extended family. He was also the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Frank will be laid to rest at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Platt Springs United Methodist Church, 3215 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29170 in Frank’s memory.