Forrest Frank Mourns Death of Grandfather Neil Frank, 94, a Beloved Meteorologist
Neil Frank, the grandfather of Christian singer Forrest Frank, whose influence frequently surfaced in his music and who was well known in meteorological circles, died on Christmas Eve. He was 94.
Frank was a veteran meteorologist who helped shape modern hurricane forecasting during his 13-year tenure as director of the National Hurricane Center. After leaving the NHC, he spent more than two decades as chief meteorologist at KHOU 11 in Houston, becoming a trusted voice for viewers during major Gulf Coast storms.
Although the younger Frank is known today for his concerts and music, Neil Frank was a household name to millions of Texans.
Forrest Frank’s concerts included footage of Neil Frank speaking at a 1985 Billy Graham Crusade. The grandfather’s voice was also part of one of Frank’s albums.
“Today my grandad went to be with Jesus,” the Christian singer wrote on his Instagram alongside a clip of Neil Frank’s ‘85 sermon being played at the artist’s concert.
“I loved walking on stage after this because of what it meant: I am the product of prayers, promises, and blessings,” he added. “We named our new son after you, grandad. One day I will get to see you again. Until then I will spend my time doing what you did best. Spreading the name of Jesus.”
In 2024, Forrest Frank opened up about his relationship with his grandfather while speaking at Liberty University.
“My granddad is my role model. He just loves Jesus. He's the kind of guy that you can't get away from a conversation with him without him laying hands on you and praying for you. It's almost as if the conversation itself is just leading towards a prayer,” the singer said.
“... We grew up going to restaurants and people coming up [to him] – ‘Dr. Neil Frank, how's it going?’ So he's the man around Houston,” Frank said, smiling.
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Photo Credit: ©Forrest Frank
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published December 29, 2025.
