Obituary of 1st SGT (Ret) Frank Bernard Sabido

KERSHAW – A graveside service for First Sergeant (retired) and Vietnam War veteran, Frank Bernard Sabido, 75, will be held at 11am EST on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina. Celebration of life will be held at Refuge Baptist church at 2pm, following the service.

Frank passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Born in Belize City, Belize, he is the son of Rose Bradley Navarrete and the late Fransisco Beltran Sabido. Frank, a veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly served the United States Army for over 27 years before retiring in 1993. A few of the many military recognitions Frank received during his notable service include the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal/3 Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Army-Air Force), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Assault Badge Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Awards, Good Conduct Medals. Along with his extensive military career, Frank was a business owner, an ROTC instructor at the University of South Carolina; Benedict College and United States Postal Service retiree. Frank enjoyed fishing, dancing, traveling, playing his guitars, and sharing unforgettable stories of his life experiences. He loved to spend time with family and friends creating special memories. Through his illness, ‘Francis’ enjoyed life to the fullest. His unconditional love was deeply felt by everyone.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Brenda Gail Blackmon Sabido; parents, Rose Bradley and Raymond Navarrete; daughters, Karen Hanke (Chris) of Spartanburg and Michelle Vehorn (Luke) of Charleston; step-children, Crystal Thompson (Jimmy) of Camden and Ricky Goff of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; sisters, Molly Scibana (Joe) of Peoria, Arizona, Yvonne Sabido Obi of Jacksonville, Florida, Donna Navarrete of Jacksonville, Florida, and Rose Milstead Navarrete of Lawtey, Florida; grandchildren, James, Michael, Harrison, Jack, Courtney and Jordan; and great-grandchildren, Ruby, Olivia and Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Fisher House Foundation (https://fisherhouse.org).