Frankie Lee Gilbert was born to Ardella Cole and the late Frankie Lee Gilbert, Jr., on February 18, 1947, in Jefferson, Texas. He took his last breath at Methodist Charlton Hospital in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, December 30, 2017. His brother Glenn Edward Cole, who had been one of his caregivers for the past three years, was by his side.

In 1965, Frankie graduated from Lincoln High School, in Dallas, Texas. It was in high school that he developed a passion for the French language. Frankie attended The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, for one year and graduated from Bishop College (now Paul Quinn College) in Dallas, Texas, with a B. A. in "French". As part of a two-year academic "Student Exchange Program" sponsored by Bishop College, Frankie lived in Paris, France and played recreational basketball there. He also enjoyed playing recreational tennis in his younger years and watched it more than any other sport. His favorite football team was the New England Patriots.

Frankie taught "French" at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster ISD) and Seagoville High School, in Dallas, Texas (Dallas ISD). One of Frankie's favorite pastimes was playing dominoes each week with his favorite cousins Billy Ray Williams and Ervin Rand and his uncle Robert "Sonny" Williams, who was always his partner.

Frankie married Linda Larsen in 1985 and their union lasted until her death on March 28, 1993. Linda was a registered nurse with Staff Builders & Kimberly Nursing Agency.

Frankie is survived by his: Mother, Ardella Cole; Brother Glenn Edward Cole (Mesquite); Sisters – (Maternal) --Bobbie Ann Cole; (Paternal) -- Cynthia Gilbert (Houston) and Beverly Kirkwood (Houston); Sister-in-law Earnestine Cynthia Cole (Mesquite); Uncles (Maternal) – Melvin Williams and Robert "Sonny" Williams; Aunts (Maternal) – Pennie Mae Williams; Violet Rand; and Gloria Williams; Aunts (Paternal) – Sue Briggs, Elizabeth Brewer; Carrie Ford; Dorothy Neal (Houston); and Elouise Rowlett; Nephews – Marcus Goynes; Jason Cole; Justin Cole (Lewisville); and Carl Gilbert Jr.; Nieces – (Maternal) Dr. Veronica Cole-Yeo (Lewisville) and (Paternal) LaTeale Kirkwood (Houston); and Great Niece – Amber Ojo (Allen). In addition, Frankie leaves behind a host of cousins, including Pastor C. Ray Calhoun, the officiating pastor for his funeral service.