Dr. Frank Pleasants Stainback, III, was born in Pensacola, Florida on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1945, the first-born child to parents, Colonel and Mrs. Frank P. Stainback, Jr. After a life well-lived, he peacefully left this earth surrounded by all four of his adoring children and his beloved wife of 57 years at his side. He cherished his family and considered them his greatest accomplishment.

Frank lived many places in his life, following his father's military career across the globe. He graduated from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland after returning from four years in Naples, Italy. He shared many fond stories of his adventures in Italy with his brothers.

After high school, he attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1967, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While at Ole Miss, he considered himself immensely lucky to have caught a "Delta Chassaniol girl" on a blind date all those years ago, thanks to his dear friend, Bailey McBee.

After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and attended Officer Candidates School (OCS) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he received his commission into the Military Intelligence Branch of the US Army; he also attended Aerial Surveillance School at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the 5th Mechanized Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he and his new bride, Laura, lived for a year and enjoyed many outings to the ski slopes of Colorado, later moving to Ft. Bliss, Texas for Vietnamese Language School. He served a tour of duty in Pleiku, Vietnam as a G-2 Air Officer, and while in Vietnam, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and a Silver Star.

Upon returning home, Frank attended Delta State and the University of Alabama Dental School in Birmingham. He graduated with honors and began his dental practice in 1976, where he served as a dentist for nearly 50 years, committed to generations of patients in and around the Delta with great care and dedication.

Dr. Stainback was a member of the Mississippi Dental Association and served on its Board of Governors, was president of the District 2 Dental Association, a member of Greenwood Investment Club and the Greenwood Rotary Club, and served on the Board of Directors at Golden Age Nursing home for many years. He was also a faithful member of The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood.

Frank was an avid duck and turkey hunter, supported Ducks Unlimited for many years, and was a member of Tippo and Knee Deep Hunting Clubs, where he spent countless days and nights, hunting and sharing tales around the campfire with his cherished hunting buddies.

In his retirement years, he thoroughly enjoyed his weekly "tennis" gathering, sharing a round of golf and stories with some of his most treasured friends, and dining with his Greenwood Supper Club groups who were known to pass quite a good time together through the years.  For those looking for Doc, he'll likely be sipping on the perfect Old Fashioned with his heavenly friends, telling them precisely how to muddle that orange.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Col. and Mrs. Frank P. Stainback, Jr. and his brother, Robert Dale Stainback. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Laura Chassaniol; his four children, whom he considered his greatest blessings, Dr. Melissa Oliver Stainback (Beau Mixon) of Lake Charles, LA, Frank Pleasants Stainback IV (Leslie Green) of Greenwood, Meredith S. Brown (Pierce) of Schlater, and Andrew C. Stainback (Kelli) of Greenwood; and nine grandchildren, who were his pride and joy – Sara Mixon of Palo Alto, CA, Oliver Mixon of Bellevue, WA, Max Mixon of Lake Charles, LA; William Brown V, Hayes Brown, Louis Brown, all of Schlater; and Eliza Jane Stainback, Laura Stainback, and Lott Stainback, all of Greenwood. He is also survived by his younger brother, David Stainback (Nancy) of Jupiter, Florida; sister-in-laws, Judy LaMarche of Miramar Beach, Florida, Beth Stuckey (Eddie) of Greenwood, and Sally McSpadden of Brandon; and so many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A funeral mass will be held at the Immaculate Church of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, with visitation preceding from 9:30 a.m. until service time.  Father Leopold Keefler will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church columbarium, with the Keesler-Hamrick-Gillespie American Legion Post 29 performing military rites.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Al Austin, Jon Barnwell, Harris Powers, Putnam Stainback, Eddie Stuckey, Charlie Swayze, and Dr. Rob White.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Charles Nause, who provided care with devotion and compassion.

Memorials may be made to the Wilson Research Foundation, 1350 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, or the charity of your choice.